Concerns grow as migrant harassment sparks diplomatic tensions.

Ghana has summoned South Africa’s envoy following several reported xenophobic incidents, including one in which a legally resident Ghanaian was told to return home and “fix his country”.

South Africa, the continent’s most industrialised economy, has long attracted both documented and undocumented African workers. However, with unemployment exceeding 30 percent, the country has seen recurring waves of anti migrant protests and occasional violence.

Videos circulating online in recent days show Ghanaians and other foreign nationals being harassed.

South Africa’s acting police minister, Firoz Cachalia, condemned the incidents on Friday, calling attacks on foreign nationals unlawful and a violation of constitutional values such as dignity and equality. He said police had been instructed to act decisively in addressing the situation.

CBI News reports that Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa cited an incident in KwaZulu Natal province where a Ghanaian resident was confronted and ordered to leave the country.

The foreign ministry also warned of rising tensions, advising foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, to remain indoors for their safety.

During a meeting with South Africa’s acting high commissioner Thando Dalamba, Ablakwa reaffirmed Ghana’s historical support for the anti apartheid struggle and stressed that harassment of law abiding individuals contradicts the principles of African solidarity.

According to official data, more than three million foreign nationals live in South Africa, representing about 5.1 percent of the population. Most come from countries within the Southern African Development Community.

Earlier this year, authorities said more than 530,000 people attempting to enter South Africa illegally had been intercepted since July 2022.