Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway has assured parliament that government will do all possible to protect the lives and property of Ghanaians in South Africa are protected.
According to her, Ghanaians in South Africa are living in fear over the xenophobic attacks. Appearing before Parliament on Friday, she said, “In Mamelodi, a suburb in Pretoria, there is general fear and apprehension within the various foreign communities including that of Ghana following a decision by a local to organize an anti-foreigner march today to protest at what he referred to as South African nationals being tired of enslavement and being deprived of job opportunities in their own country.’’
She described the attacks as unfortunate considering the relationship between the two countries. The Minister noted that although no Ghanaian has been affected in the recent attacks, her outfit has adopted measures to ensure the safety of Ghanaians living in South Africa. Below are some measures adopted by government: ·
The mission has visited many shops owned by Ghanaians in the sunny suburb of Pretoria informing them of the development and the need to activate all early warning signals using social media groups to provide information in case of any attacks. ·
[Ghanaian]Pretoria shop owners have been directed to close their shops immediately the threats are deemed as eminent. ·
The Ghanaian community in Mamelodi where the march against foreigners will take place today have also been advised not to open their businesses today and remain indoors while awaiting all clear signals from community leaders and the mission. ·
The mission has also written a note verbale to the department of international relations and corporation requesting their continued protection of Ghanaian nationals and all non-South African nationals as well as their businesses. ·
The mission in addition to its official numbers introduced a 24-hour mobile hotline [0027 (0) 713098034] that can also be accessed via social media including Whatsapp and telephone. The number is exclusively for any information relating to the xenophobic attacks and so far we have had a few calls.
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