The Ghana First Alliance has called on the government of Ghana to cancel all existing visa waiver agreements with South Africa until the ongoing xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals subside.
The group maintains that Ghana can no longer grant South African citizens visa-free entry while Ghanaians face violent targeted attacks in South Africa.
During an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the convener of the alliance, Nana Otu Darko, commended the Government of Ghana for its swift and decisive evacuation efforts, which ensured the safe return of 300 affected Ghanaian nationals.
However, to further protest the violence, Nana Otu Darko revealed that the group has officially notified the Greater Accra Regional Headquarters of the Ghana Police Service of its intention to stage a massive peaceful demonstration. According to the public order notice submitted on Thursday, June 3, the demonstration is a direct response to the brutal attacks that prompted the emergency evacuations.
The convener emphasised that South Africans must come to their senses and halt these senseless attacks on fellow Africans, offering specific proposals for both diplomatic and economic retaliation.
“We want to use this opportunity to send a clear message to South Africa through the Embassy that we detest the attacks on other Africans. We also want to draw the attention of the global community to what is happening so they will provide support to those being attacked. We also want to propose to President John Mahama, through the Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, that there are some South African companies operating here, especially in the mining sector. Ghanaians have proven beyond doubt that if given the opportunity, they can better manage our mines. If the South Africans are asking others to move out of their country, then we should also consider handing over our mines to locals. We should not renew their licenses if they expire. Most importantly, the government should cancel any existing visa waivers we have with them.”
Despite the calls for strict government action, Nana Otu Darko concluded by urging the youth of Ghana to remain calm and refrain from launching retaliatory attacks against South African businesses or nationals residing in Ghana, urging citizens to demonstrate maturity rather than violence.
“We should calm down, we should show maturity, we should respect our leaders and prove to the South Africans that we are more civilized. If they use violence in pushing us out, we will use civility in handling the situation.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana