The Government of Ghana has evacuated a Ghanaian national, Emmanuel Asamoah, following a widely circulated video showing him being harassed by a group of individuals in South Africa in what has been described as a xenophobic attack.
The footage, which spread rapidly across social media, captured a tense confrontation in which Asamoah and several other foreign nationals were accused of taking jobs meant for local citizens. The incident sparked widespread outrage among Ghanaians both domestically and within the diaspora, while also renewing concerns about the safety of Ghanaian nationals living abroad.
The episode reflects recurring xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa, often associated with economic pressures and high unemployment. In this instance, the perpetrators reportedly targeted foreign nationals, attributing local job scarcity to their presence.
Officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded promptly. Speaking to the media, the Coordinating Director for Political and Economic Affairs, Harold Agyeman, confirmed that the government had facilitated Asamoah’s safe return to Ghana.
“Government is very much conscious and strongly committed to protecting our nationals abroad. And so, under the instructions of the minister, Emmanuel Asamoah has been relocated to Ghana to ensure that he is in a safe space,” he stated.
Mr Agyeman further indicated that Ghanaian authorities remain in active engagement with South African officials regarding the incident. He noted that the government continues to rely on assurances from South Africa that measures will be taken to curb such acts, which risk undermining relations among African states.
He emphasised that safeguarding Ghanaian citizens abroad remains a central priority, particularly in situations where their safety is threatened by hostility or violence in host countries.
