A security analyst, Andrews Asiedu Tetteh, has advised the Ghanaian government to facilitate the evacuation of all citizens in South Africa who are willing to return home.
He suggested that the most effective approach in the face of xenophobic attacks targeting African nationals is to bring them back to Ghana. Speaking in an interview on Rainbow Radio, the analyst noted that these attacks may escalate and continue to threaten the safety and security of Ghanaians living in South Africa.
He posited that the manner in which these attacks have been launched suggests the South African government may be in support of its citizens’ actions.
He further stated that this could be an indirect method used to purge the country of foreign nationals.
Mr Tetteh indicated that South Africans have accused foreigners of disrupting social order, safety, and the general sanity of the population.
Specifically, some foreign nationals have been accused of trading in illicit drugs, which has reportedly led to increased substance abuse among South African youth.
Mr Tetteh emphasised that Ghana must take immediate steps to assist those who wish to return.
He advised Ghanaian citizens in South Africa to prioritise their own safety, as the local security agencies seem indifferent to their situation. He claimed that the police have personally witnessed attacks on foreigners but have chosen to look away, pointing to what he describes as a systemic agenda to push foreigners out of the country.
“From what is happening, it appears the security in South Africa is not concerned about what is happening. If Ghana were to be a serious country, it would have immediately evacuated all citizens willing to return to Ghana. The Ghanaians there should also be prepared to leave South Africa and come home. They can go back when the situation improves.
Our leaders must learn to protect their citizens through their foreign missions and adopt strategies that can ensure their safety. South Africa is on the brink of collapse, and the nationals are accusing the foreigners of being the ones destroying their country. In some instances, the government would also want foreigners out, but, due to democracy, they will indirectly look on while their citizens attack other nationals from other countries.”
