By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
Ghana’s Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko, popularly known as KOD, has assured South African businesses operating in Ghana of their safety despite growing public outrage over renewed xenophobic attacks on Africans living in South Africa.
Speaking amid rising tensions and calls for retaliation, KOD stated that South African companies in Ghana would continue to operate freely without any form of interference.
“South African businesses will continue to operate as they should. They are our family, and nothing is going to happen to them,” he said.
His comments come at a time when some Ghanaians on social media and other public platforms have been demanding the closure or boycott of major South African-owned businesses in Ghana, including MTN Ghana and Shoprite. The calls follow disturbing reports of xenophobic violence in South Africa targeting foreign nationals, including Africans from other countries.
The renewed attacks have triggered anger and disappointment across the continent, with many Africans calling for stronger diplomatic action against the South African government. Some Ghanaians have argued that economic retaliation against South African businesses operating in Ghana should be considered in response to the treatment of Africans in South Africa.
However, KOD emphasized that Ghana would not promote xenophobia or retaliatory actions against South Africans living or doing business in the country. According to him, Ghana remains committed to African unity, peaceful coexistence, and diplomacy despite the painful developments.
He stressed the importance of separating innocent businesses and individuals from the actions of criminal groups responsible for the attacks.
Meanwhile, the Government of Ghana has already condemned the xenophobic attacks and continues to support affected Ghanaians in South Africa. Authorities have also been involved in evacuation efforts for citizens who are willing to return home.
The situation continues to spark widespread debate across Africa, with many calling for urgent and lasting solutions to recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa. At the same time, leaders and citizens across the continent are urging restraint, dialogue, and peaceful engagement to prevent tensions from escalating further.
The latest developments have once again reignited conversations about African solidarity, regional cooperation, and the need for stronger protections for migrants and foreign nationals living within the continent.
