South African government’s response to xenophobic attacks worrying

Former Deputy Minister for Transport and former Tema East Member of Parliament, Titus Nii Kwartei Glover, has strongly criticised the South African government over what he describes as its poor handling of recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Ghanaians living in the country.

Speaking during an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show on Monday, May 25, Mr Glover accused South African authorities of failing to take proactive measures to protect migrants amid rising tensions and reports of violence against foreign nationals.

His comments come at a time when the first batch of Ghanaians residing in South Africa is expected to return home on Wednesday following growing safety concerns and evacuation arrangements coordinated through diplomatic channels.

According to Mr Glover, although efforts are underway to evacuate affected Ghanaians, many individuals living outside major cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg may struggle to access assistance due to transportation and logistical challenges.

“The Foreign Minister should have taken his time a bit because, as we speak now, some of these Ghanaians are beyond Pretoria and Johannesburg. Even access to public transport to reach the embassy to register is a problem. So how do you reach these people?” he questioned.

The former lawmaker argued that the situation reflects a lack of urgency and commitment on the part of the South African government in responding to attacks on migrants and ensuring their safety.

“That is why I am blaming the South African government for not being proactive. President Cyril Ramaphosa has disappointed some of us. The South African government has not been up and doing,” he stated.

Mr Glover further alleged that some South African authorities have failed to intervene during attacks on foreign nationals, claiming security officials have in some cases remained passive while migrants were assaulted.

“You see Ghanaians being beaten, and they stand aloof and watch. They stand and watch and see how these foreigners are beaten,” he said.

Reflecting on Africa’s historical solidarity with South Africa during the anti-apartheid era, Mr Glover expressed disappointment over what he described as the current treatment of fellow Africans within the country.

“Everybody in Africa contributed to making sure you are who you are today. They gave you money, scholarships, and passports to move around these African countries. Look at what they are doing, and the South African government is watching these things while our people are being beaten,” he added.

The former Tema East MP also called on President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider the operations and licence renewals of South African mining companies operating in Ghana.

According to him, the Ghanaian government should take a tougher stance if attacks against Ghanaians in South Africa continue.

“I will appeal to President Mahama that next year the licences of those South African companies should never be renewed,” he said.

Mr Glover further indicated that he would support public demonstrations over the issue and would personally participate in protests if necessary to demand stronger action and protection for Ghanaians abroad.

The recent xenophobic tensions in South Africa have once again reignited concerns across the continent about the safety of African migrants and the need for stronger cooperation among African governments to address discrimination, violence and social tensions affecting foreign nationals.