Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has urged South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to take decisive steps to address renewed xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.

His remarks followed a public statement by President Ramaphosa condemning the recent unrest and attacks against migrants in parts of the country.

In a message shared on social media platform X, President Ramaphosa stated that the violent demonstrations and criminal acts directed at foreign nationals do not reflect the values of the South African people or the policies of his government.

Reacting to the statement, Mr Ablakwa described the response as encouraging and expressed confidence in President Ramaphosa’s leadership to help restore calm and protect African nationals living in South Africa.

The Foreign Affairs Minister also reaffirmed Ghana’s strong diplomatic ties with South Africa, describing the relationship between the two countries as one rooted in solidarity, mutual respect and a shared African vision inspired by Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah.

Meanwhile, the Government of Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union to place the issue of xenophobic violence in South Africa on the agenda of the upcoming Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled for June 24 to 27, 2026, in El Alamein.

In a letter submitted to the African Union, Mr Ablakwa said Ghana remains deeply troubled by recurring attacks against African migrants in South Africa, noting that the incidents have resulted in deaths, destruction of businesses and growing insecurity among foreign nationals.

He stressed that the continued violence undermines the ideals of African unity and cooperation, especially considering the support many African countries offered during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.

While acknowledging South Africa’s sovereignty and responsibility to maintain law and order within its borders, Ghana believes attacks targeting fellow Africans threaten the broader principles of continental brotherhood and integration championed by the African Union.