The Patriotic Journalists Against Galamsey (PAJAG) has called on the Government of Ghana to consider prioritising Ghanaian businesses in strategic sectors, particularly mining, as part of measures to support citizens returning home due to xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Nana Otu Darko, the group expressed concern over recurring attacks targeting African nationals, including Ghanaians, in South Africa.

According to PAJAG, the attacks have displaced many Ghanaians and forced some to abandon their businesses and livelihoods to return home under difficult circumstances.

The group, however, cautioned against retaliation against South Africans living or working in Ghana, stressing that Ghana must continue to uphold peace, diplomacy and Pan-African unity.

PAJAG commended President John Dramani Mahama, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa Benjamin Quashie, and businessman Ibrahim Mahama for their support to Ghanaians affected by the attacks.

As part of its recommendations, the organisation called for a comprehensive audit of South African companies operating in Ghana and urged government to consider non-renewal of expiring contracts where necessary and lawful.

The group further proposed that opportunities arising from expiring concessions and contracts should be redirected toward capable Ghanaian entrepreneurs and investors to boost local participation in strategic sectors.

PAJAG also advocated the establishment of a national reintegration programme for returning Ghanaians, including access to credit facilities, skills training and employment opportunities.

According to the organisation, empowering local businesses and transitioning opportunities to Ghanaian companies would help create jobs, strengthen local industries and support economic resilience.

The group additionally urged government to intensify diplomatic engagement with South Africa to ensure the safety and protection of Ghanaian nationals while pushing for long-term solutions to xenophobia across the continent.

PAJAG maintained that Ghana’s response to the crisis should focus on lawful economic empowerment and national development while preserving peaceful relations among African countries.