The Director of the Diaspora Affairs Office at the President’s Office, Kofi Okyere-Darko, has issued a passionate appeal for calm, urging Ghanaians to reject calls for retaliatory actions against South African nationals and businesses following recent xenophobic tensions in South Africa.
The statement comes amid rising public anger over the treatment of Ghanaian citizens residing in South Africa, with some factions demanding immediate economic or physical retribution within Ghana’s borders.
Mr Okyere-Darko, who revealed a deeply personal connection to the crisis, acknowledged the profound distress gripping many Ghanaian families but insisted that retaliation is not the path forward.
“The pain, anxiety and emotional distress surrounding this situation are therefore deeply personal to me,” Darko stated, noting that he has 17 family members living across various regions of South Africa. Some of his relatives have already contacted him directly to request assistance with upcoming evacuation efforts back to Ghana. Reflecting on his role in welcoming home citizens who have already fled the unrest, Darko added that “being part of the delegation that received our evacuated compatriots upon their arrival in Ghana was an emotional experience that brought many of us close to tears.”
Despite the emotional toll of the situation, the Diaspora Affairs Director argued that anger should not dictate Ghana’s domestic or foreign policy. He firmly rejected the notion that the mistreatment of Ghanaians abroad should justify similar behavior at home, emphasising that adopting xenophobic tendencies would run contrary to the country’s foundational values.
“However, despite these difficult experiences, I firmly believe that this cannot and must not become the basis for encouraging xenophobic sentiments or retaliatory actions here in Ghana,” Darko asserted. “That is not who we are as a people, and it is certainly not the legacy of our nation.”
He reminded citizens of the country’s historical role as a sanctuary of peace, tolerance, and continental solidarity, emphasizing that Ghana’s values require its people to rise above hostility and resist responding to intolerance in kind.
He further clarified that the state apparatus remains firmly against any form of lawlessness targeted at foreign nationals.
“His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama will never endorse or encourage acts of xenophobia in Ghana,” the statement clarified.
“As a government and as a people, we remain committed to protecting all law-abiding residents and businesses within our borders, regardless of nationality.”
Kofi Okyere-Darko assured the public that the government is not passive regarding the plight of its citizens abroad. He noted that official channels are actively being used to press South African authorities for the protection and dignity of Ghanaians living there, while reminding the public to safeguard Ghana’s own domestic stability by remaining true to their values, even in moments of profound pain and disappointment.
