Ghana Mission urges caution amid xenophobia fears
The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has sounded the alarm for Ghanaians living in South Africa, urging them to keep a low profile and stay away from areas expected to see demonstrations, as concerns over xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals continue to mount.
The advisory, issued Tuesday, April 28, comes on the back of circulating videos and reports documenting xenophobic incidents directed at foreign nationals, Ghanaians among them, in various parts of the country. The trigger for the heightened alert is a planned march by a group known as the March Organization, which intends to converge on the Presidency to table its grievances over immigration.
High Commissioner Benjamin Anani Quashie, on whose behalf the notice was issued, made clear that personal safety must take precedence above all else during this period.
“I urge everyone to continue exercising heightened vigilance and to place the highest priority on personal safety during this period,” the statement read.
Ghanaian business owners in particular were singled out in the advisory, with the mission strongly encouraging them to pull down their shutters for the day rather than risk exposure in potentially volatile areas.
“Shop owners are strongly encouraged to close their businesses for the day and avoid areas where protests or demonstrations are taking place,” the High Commission stated.
Beyond commerce, the mission urged nationals to steer clear of any public gatherings that could turn confrontational. “Please refrain from participating in public gatherings that could escalate into confrontation,” it added.
The advisory extended to online behaviour as well, with Ghanaians cautioned to act with discretion on social media and avoid sharing content that could be perceived as inflammatory or provocative, a move aimed at preventing the community from inadvertently stoking tensions.
The High Commission assured the Ghanaian community that it would continue to monitor the evolving situation and issue further guidance as developments unfold.
Source: myjoyonline.com
About The Author
