Xenophobic Attacks: Ghana Wants Justice Beyond Repatriation

The recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa have left over 300 Ghanaian nationals repatriated. However, the Ghanaian government is not satisfied, as they want justice beyond the return of their citizens.

Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, the Bosome Freho Member of Parliament and Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, spoke with Asempa FM's Ekosii Sen program on Thursday, 28 May 2026. He called on African leaders, including those on the African Union, to take decisive steps against South Africa.

'African countries must take a firmer stance,' Mr. Ayeh emphasized. 'We can't keep quiet or treat this like an ordinary diplomatic issue.'

According to him, the attacks targeted foreign nationals, including Ghanaians. The violence has become deeply troubling and unacceptable, with Mr. Ayeh stating the attacks were 'well-coordinated and extremely violent.'

Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh believes that African countries, including Ghana, contributed to South Africa's fight against apartheid. He expects a better return in terms of treatment of their citizens in South Africa. 'The freedom South Africa is enjoying today is partially owed to Ghana's support during the apartheid struggle,' he said. 'We provided financial support, and therefore, they should treat our people well.'

The MP expressed concerns about local politicians in South Africa exploiting anti-foreigner sentiments for political gain. He criticized the presence of police during attacks, stating that videos often showed officers doing nothing to intervene. 'The police seem to have been either ineffective or complicit in the violence,' Mr. Ayeh said.

Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh urged the African Union to take continental resolutions and possible legal action to seek justice for victims of the attacks. He suggested documenting cases involving affected citizens, pursuing compensation, and taking the matter to the International Court if necessary. 'This is about taking those responsible to task,' he emphasized. 'It's not just about repatriating our citizens.'

He emphasized that victims who lost livelihoods and property deserve more than just repatriation support. Any Ghanaian who suffered a loss and now has to start from scratch needs more than just a reparation package. Mr. Ayeh called for long-term support and assistance to help them rebuild their lives.

Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh fears that if action is not taken, the situation may escalate, leading to further violence against foreign nationals. 'We should be prepared for the worst-case scenario,' he warned. 'South Africans might start rounding up and attacking all foreign nationals.'

He also criticized some local politicians in South Africa for exploiting anti-foreigner sentiments. 'They're using this anti-foreigner sentiment to get votes and make campaign promises,' he said. Mr. Ayeh believed that these politicians were 'preying on the fears of their citizens.'

Ghana's government has not been able to get sufficient support from other African governments on this issue. Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh is not giving up on the issue. He believes that collective diplomatic efforts from African countries are necessary to send a strong signal to South Africa.

'Africa must come together and tell South Africa that this is unacceptable,' Mr. Ayeh stated. 'We must pick the venom and tell them that we are not happy.'

In his view, Ghana should properly document cases involving affected citizens and pursue compensation through international legal processes. If they document their evidence well and put all the facts together, they can pursue this case at the international level, Mr. Ayeh said.

The MP's stance reflects the growing concern among many Ghanaians about the lack of justice for their citizens. Ghana's government must do more to ensure that the rights of its citizens are protected. Ghana needs to take collective action with other African countries to bring about justice for its citizens.

Ghana's government must take responsibility for ensuring that its citizens are treated fairly and with dignity. The government must act quickly and decisively to protect its citizens' rights and interests. Ghana's leadership should prioritize justice and fairness for all its citizens.

Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh is a Ghanaian politician, serving as the Bosome Freho MP and the Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee. Mr. Ayeh believes in the importance of collective action to address the xenophobic attacks and bring justice to the victims.

Background on Xenophobic Attacks and Repatriation

The recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa have resulted in the repatriation of over 300 Ghanaians. Repatriation is often the first step, but it does not ensure justice for victims. Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have been reported several times in recent years. The situation has raised concerns among other African nations.

Ghana's government has called for stronger diplomatic action against South Africa to address the recurring violence. The African Union should also take a firmer stance against South Africa to bring an end to these attacks.

Key Facts:

  • Over 300 Ghanaian nationals have been repatriated from South Africa due to xenophobic attacks.
  • Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh believes that Africa should collectively take firm diplomatic action against South Africa.
  • The African Union should take continental resolutions and possible legal action to seek justice for victims.
  • Ghana should document cases involving affected citizens and pursue compensation through international legal processes.
  • The MP believes that repatriation support alone is not enough for Ghanaians who lost livelihoods and property due to the attacks.
  • Mr. Ayeh fears the situation may escalate, leading to further violence against foreign nationals.
  • He criticized some local politicians in South Africa for exploiting anti-foreigner sentiments for political gain.