Charles Asuako Owiredu, the Member of Parliament for Abirem and former Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister under the Akufo-Addo administration, has asserted that xenophobic attacks in South Africa have reached a critical point requiring permanent solutions.
He observed that many South Africans target Ghanaians and other African nationals under the misguided claim that foreigners are taking local jobs.
He noted that a lack of exposure to the positive aspects of migration, often due to limited travel by South Africans to other nations, contributes to this friction.
To address this gap, Owiredu highlighted that the previous government implemented initiatives like visa waivers to encourage South Africans to visit Ghana.
These measures were designed to foster “people-to-people contact, enhance our interaction, and bolster trading activities”.
Drawing on his experience as a former minister and ambassador, he revealed that he previously collaborated with other high commissioners to form an alliance specifically aimed at addressing these recurring attacks.
In an interview on As It Is in Ghana via phone on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM (Ghana) and 92.4 FM (UK), the lawmaker acknowledged that while the current Foreign Affairs Ministry has taken steps to address the situation, more significant action is required.
Recalling his diplomatic tenure, he stated, “While I was there as an ambassador, we mobilised ourselves and always engaged with the government on resolving these issues, and I have advised the current ambassador to do the same thing.
The foreign affairs minister has done something about the situation, but more needs to be done.”
Owiredu further urged the South African Police Service to take immediate legal action against those inciting violence. He remarked, “The South African police must immediately arrest those fuelling the attacks. They are known and their faces are all over. If they fail to arrest them, it will encourage them to cause more harm.”
He also advised the Ghanaian government to revive the “safe havens” established by the previous administration to protect citizens during periods of unrest.
Reflecting on the policy, he noted, “Under the previous government, we established safe houses or safe homes where Ghanaians who were targeted were housed, and so I encourage our citizens to take advantage of that.” The lawmaker described the hostility toward African nationals as unfortunate and called for an immediate end to the violence.
He concluded by pointing out the double standard in these attacks, noting that while many South African businesses operate peacefully within Ghana, Ghanaian businesses in South Africa do not enjoy the same security.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
