The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has raised concern over recent attacks on Ghanaians and other African nationals in South Africa.

In a statement, the group said the safety of Ghanaians abroad is the responsibility of the state and must be treated with urgency.

According to the Minority, reports from areas including KwaZulu-Natal, Durban and Gauteng indicate a pattern of organised violence targeting foreign nationals.

They said Ghanaian-owned businesses have been attacked, while some individuals have been harassed and assaulted. In certain cases, access to essential services has also been obstructed.

The Caucus rejected claims that foreign nationals are responsible for crime and economic hardship, describing such assertions as unfounded.

It also cited the widely circulated assault on Emmanuel Asamoah as an example of the situation, and expressed concern that some incidents reportedly occurred in the presence of law enforcement without effective intervention.

The Minority acknowledged steps taken by the Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, including engagement with South African authorities and consular support for affected Ghanaians.

It also noted public condemnation of the attacks by Cyril Ramaphosa.

However, the group said these measures must be followed by concrete action.

It called on the South African government to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, and to hold security agencies accountable where there has been a failure to act. It also urged immediate steps to protect foreign nationals.

On Ghana’s part, the Minority called for a more structured response, including direct engagement between John Dramani Mahama and President Ramaphosa to secure commitments on protection and enforcement.

The Caucus further proposed increased consular support for Ghanaians in affected areas.

It also called for the issue to be escalated to the African Union for an inquiry into recurring xenophobic incidents, and urged collaboration with ECOWAS to present a unified regional response.

Additionally, the Minority said Ghana should seek assurances from South Africa, including confirmed arrests, prosecutorial action, and plans to protect foreign nationals. It also suggested compensation for victims who have suffered losses.

The statement urged Ghanaians in South Africa to remain cautious and stay in contact with the High Commission.

The statement was signed by Samuel Abu Jinapor, Member of Parliament for Damongo and Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee.