Davis Ansah Opoku, the Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, has urged the Ghanaian government to utilise ongoing discussions regarding Gold Fields’ proposed lease extension in Tarkwa to demand stronger action against xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Gold Fields is a South African firm headquartered in Johannesburg and listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

In a Facebook post shared on Saturday, May 9, the MP argued that Ghana’s mineral resources have significantly aided South Africa’s economic growth and should be considered as African migrants continue to face violence in that country.

The lawmaker noted that “GoldFields is pleading with Ghana for a 20-year extension of its lease in Tarkwa,” and suggested that “perhaps this is also the moment for the Government to remind them that Ghana’s mineral resources have contributed immensely to the growth and development of South Africa’s economy.”

He emphasised that many victims are law-abiding individuals seeking better opportunities for their families, stating that “the Government of South Africa must therefore take concrete and decisive steps to stop the xenophobic attacks against innocent Ghanaians and other Africans whose only aim is to work hard and provide for their families.”

Mr Opoku further argued that diplomatic rhetoric regarding continental cooperation loses its meaning if violence continues unchecked.

He added that “African unity cannot be preached in boardrooms while Africans are attacked on the streets.”