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Mahama Under Pressure Over Attacks on Ghanaians in South Africa: Minority MPs Demand Direct Presidental Engagement

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Caucus demands direct presidential engagement with South Africa, citing ‘organised violence’ against Ghanaians and law enforcement inaction; suggests compensation for victims and AU inquiry.


President John Dramani Mahama is facing mounting pressure from Parliament’s Minority Caucus to personally intervene in the escalating xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians and other African nationals in South Africa.

The Caucus has declared that ministerial-level engagement alone is insufficient to address the crisis.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, the Minority Caucus acknowledged the actions taken so far by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, including engagement with South African authorities and the provision of consular assistance. However, the Caucus stressed that “while these are necessary first steps, they must be followed by clear and decisive action” โ€“ action that the lawmakers believe requires the direct involvement of the President.

‘Presidential-Level Engagement’ Demanded

The Minority called for immediate presidential-level engagement to secure clear commitments on protection and enforcement from South African authorities.

“The safety of Ghanaians abroad is a responsibility of the State and must be treated with urgency and seriousness,” the statement signed by Samuel A. Jinapor, Member of Parliament for Damongo and Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, declared.

The Caucus further proposed deploying additional consular support to assist affected Ghanaians and urged the government to work with ECOWAS partners to present a unified regional response to what it described as a recurring pattern of xenophobic violence.

‘Organised Violence’ and Law Enforcement Concerns

According to the statement, incidents reported in parts of South Africa, including KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, and Gauteng, indicate “a troubling pattern of organised violence,” with Ghanaian-owned businesses targeted and individuals subjected to harassment and assault.

The Minority raised particular alarm over reports that some incidents occurred in the presence of law enforcement officers without effective intervention, noting that this “raises serious questions about enforcement and accountability.”

The Caucus also cited the widely circulated assault on a Ghanaian, Emmanuel Asamoah, as evidence of the severity of the situation, describing it as bringing “the reality of these attacks into sharp focus.”

Concrete Demands for South Africa

The Minority called for measurable responses from both governments and urged South African authorities to ensure “the prompt arrest and prosecution of those responsible” and to guarantee protection for foreign nationals.

Beyond immediate security measures, the Caucus demanded concrete assurances from South Africa, including:

  • Confirmed arrests of perpetrators
  • Clear prosecutorial steps
  • A practical protection plan for foreign nationals living in South Africa

The statement also suggested that “consideration should be given to compensation for those who have suffered losses as a result of these attacks.”

Escalation to African Union

In a significant diplomatic move, the Caucus called for the issue to be escalated to the African Union for an urgent inquiry into what it described as a recurring pattern of xenophobic violence in South Africa.

“As a founding state of the OAU and custodian of the Pan-African ideal, Ghana has both the standing and the obligation to press this matter,” the statement noted.

Advice to Ghanaians in South Africa

The Minority advised Ghanaians in South Africa to remain vigilant and maintain contact with Ghana’s High Commission, stressing that “your safety is of paramount importance.”

The Caucus emphasised the need to protect the principles of African unity and solidarity, explaining that “the ties between African nations are built on mutual respect and shared responsibility. Those principles must be upheld in practice.”

What Comes Next

The ball is now in President Mahama’s court. While Ablakwa has engaged diplomatically, the Minority’s demand for presidential-level intervention raises the stakes significantly. Whether Mahama will directly engage with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa โ€“ who has publicly condemned the attacks โ€“ or pursue the recommended AU escalation remains to be seen.

For now, the Minority has made its position clear: ministerial talks are a start, but only the President can secure the firm commitments needed to protect Ghanaians abroad.

Ghana News

Fatal Fire on Accra-Tema Motorway, Private Awards for Ministers Trigger Backlash, Patients Stranded at KATH, and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today

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We have curated the most relevant stories in Ghana today, bringing you timely updates on key issues in the country wherever you may be. Stay tuned.

President Mahama Directs Appointees to Refrain from Awards by Doubtful Organizers
President John Dramani Mahama has directed all ministers of state, CEOs of state institutions, and other political appointees to refrain from participating in, sponsoring, endorsing, attending, or accepting awards from private organizations without express authorisation from the Office of the President. This follows concerns over the proliferation of awards from entities with unclear credentials, lacking transparent and verifiable criteria, which risk undermining public service integrity and exposing government to criticism. A recent example was the 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards. The directive, issued via a letter dated June 8, 2026, by Secretary to the President Dr. Callistus Mahama, emphasizes performance assessment based on manifesto commitments, policy targets, and measurable outcomes rather than external recognitions. A comprehensive review of ministers and CEOs is planned to inform retention, reassignment, or restructuring. Public officials are urged to focus on service delivery and results for Ghanaians. Read the full story here

Patients Stranded at KATH as Doctors and Nurses Protest CEO Suspension
Hundreds of patients have been left stranded at the Out-Patient Department of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi as doctors and nurses refuse to attend new cases in protest against the two-week suspension of CEO Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo. The action stems from the Ministry of Health’s decision following the temporary closure of the Accident and Emergency Centre due to overcrowding. Health workers, backed by the Health Workers Union, argue the suspension was unjust as the decision was collective. The Ministry has appealed for staff to resume duties, warning of impacts on vulnerable patients, while investigations continue. Scenes of confusion and long waits have been reported at the facility. The standoff highlights ongoing operational pressures at Ghanaโ€™s major referral hospital, with calls for resolution to restore services. Read the full story here

Meet Edem Wosornu: Ghanaian Appointed UN Assistant High Commissioner for Protection
The United Nations Secretary-General Antรณnio Guterres has appointed Ghanaian Edem Wosornu as Assistant High Commissioner for Protection at the UNHCR, succeeding Ruvendrini Menikdiwela of Sri Lanka. Currently Director of OCHAโ€™s Crisis Response Division (appointed April 2023) and Chair of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Emergency Directors Group, Wosornu brings over 21 years of humanitarian experience. She previously held leadership roles in OCHAโ€™s Humanitarian Sector Division and worked with UNHCR and in private legal practice in London. She holds advanced legal qualifications from UK institutions and speaks English and French. Her appointment highlights Ghanaian expertise on the global stage in humanitarian affairs. Read the full story here

Fuel Tanker-Tipper Truck Crash Sparks Fatal Fire on Accra-Tema Motorway
A collision between a fuel tanker and a tipper truck on the Accra-Tema Motorway early on June 9, 2026, triggered a major fire outbreak. The Ghana National Fire Service confirmed the blaze has been fully extinguished, with recovery operations and investigations ongoing at the scene.

The incident was described as fatal, though specific casualty details were not immediately released. Emergency responders worked to contain the fire and secure the busy motorway. Authorities are investigating the cause as motorists and commuters expressed concerns over safety on the critical route. Read the full story here

Mahama to Assess Ministers Ahead of Possible Reshuffle
President John Dramani Mahama is set to conduct a comprehensive performance review of ministers and CEOs of state institutions, with findings to guide retention, reassignment, or Cabinet restructuring. This ties into a directive barring public officials from questionable private awards, urging focus on policy delivery and measurable results. The review aligns with the 2024 NDC Manifesto and government development agenda. The move signals emphasis on accountability and effective governance. Read the full story here

Cedi Weakens Further Amid Second Quarter FX Demand Pressures
The Ghana cedi has continued depreciating against major currencies due to rising foreign exchange demand and corporate repatriation needs. In the interbank market, it traded at GHS 11.85/USD (from GHS 11.63), with similar losses against the pound and euro. Retail rates also rose, reflecting broader pressures despite Bank of Ghana interventions. Analysts expect further strain from Q2 profit outflows, though a $1.2 billion monthly FX support is anticipated. Global factors like high oil prices contribute to the bearish outlook. Read the full story here

Unchecked Development Driving Recurring Accra Floods โ€“ Prof. Chris Gordon
Environmental scientist Prof. Chris Gordon has attributed recurring floods in areas like Oyarifa to buildings in natural waterways and drainage paths, destroying vegetation and creating impervious surfaces. He described the incidents as predictable outcomes of rapid, unchecked urban development replacing farmlands and forests. Stricter planning enforcement and land-use management are needed to mitigate risks. โ€œYou cannot cheat nature,โ€ he emphasised, calling for science-based approaches to urban planning. Read the full story here

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Ghana News

Todayโ€™s Newspaper Headlines: Tuesday, June 9, 2026

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Tuesday, June 9, 2026.ย Stay informed with todayโ€™s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.

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Ghana News

โ€˜Once You Have Life, There Is Hopeโ€™: Ghana Demands Compensation for Citizens Hit by South Africa Attacks

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Ghanaโ€™s government has launched a formal push for compensation on behalf of citizens evacuated from South Africa following deadly xenophobic attacks, with Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa urging returnees to meticulously document every lost property, business, and asset.

Addressing the second batch of evacuees on arrival in Accra on Saturday, June 6, 2026, Ablakwa made clear that the West African nationโ€™s response would not end with evacuation.

โ€œWe are not only concerned about evacuating you, but we are concerned about your full integration,โ€ he said. โ€œThe government of Ghana has decided that we are not going to sit back without any effort in attempting to secure compensation for those of you who have lost your properties, lost your assets, lost your businesses and your shops.โ€

The minister directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin assembling documentation and evidence to support a legal compensation case. He urged returnees to provide ownership documents, addresses, and any supporting records that could strengthen Ghanaโ€™s claim.

โ€œPlease make sure that you provide all the information that we require,โ€ he said, noting that forms were already being circulated.

Ablakwa disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama had instructed him to petition the African Union over the matter and raise it at the next AU ministerial meeting.

โ€œPresident Mahama is going to make a very strong case for you so that you will be compensated and justice will be done,โ€ he stated.

While acknowledging the heavy losses suffered by some evacuees who had spent decades building businesses in South Africa, Ablakwa struck a tone of resilience:

โ€œYes, you have lost property, you have lost assets, you have left your businesses behindโ€ฆ but nothing comes anywhere near life. Once you have life, there is hope.โ€

Ghana acted swiftly to evacuate its citizens before the situation worsened, the minister said, adding that several other African countries had reported fatalities among their nationals during the unrest. Ghanaโ€™s evacuation strategy has since drawn interest from multiple African governments, with foreign ministers contacting Accra to learn from its operation.

Beyond compensation, Ablakwa announced that nearly 200 jobs had already been secured for returning Ghanaians through a government initiative involving local businesses. Companies including Engineers and Planners, AirtelTigo, and Telecel have responded positively, he said, with additional employers continuing to offer vacancies.

Reassuring evacuees of continued government support for reintegration, Ablakwa emphasized their value to Ghanaโ€™s economy, pointing to remittances from Ghanaians abroad, which reached a record US$7.8 billion last year, according to Bank of Ghana data.

โ€œWe value you because you have always contributed to this economy,โ€ he said.

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