Government facilitates return of Ghanaian linked to xenophobic attacks in South Africa

The Government of Ghana has facilitated the safe return of Emmanuel Akowuah Asamoah, a Ghanaian national featured in a viral video linked to recent xenophobic incidents in South Africa.

He arrived on 5 May 2026 in the company of Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie, and was received by the Coordinating Director for Political and Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Harold Agyeman, and other officials.

Ambassador Agyeman said the government acted on the instructions of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to relocate Mr Asamoah to ensure his safety and reunite him with his family.

He expressed concern over the xenophobic attacks and stated that such treatment of African nationals must be condemned. He noted that the Minister had summoned the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Ghana to convey the government’s concerns and said Ghana would continue to monitor developments.

Mr Quashie said the High Commission has been engaging South African authorities, adding that although conditions have not fully normalised, steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence. He said the Mission continues to issue advisory notices to Ghanaians on safe locations and areas to avoid.

Mr Asamoah expressed appreciation to the government for the intervention.