Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Tension is building up in South Africa following a viral video making the rounds asking foreign nationals to leave their hospital.
The video depicts and heightens xenophobic tendencies in the country
In the footage, individuals inside the hospital were heard telling non-citizens: “If you’re not a South African citizen, please stand up and leave our hospital,” while other patients and attendants looked on.
The incident comes amid reports of renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals from other African countries across multiple South African cities, raising concerns about the safety of migrants and access to public services.
However, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said that the government of South Africa has expressed regret over recent xenophobic attacks involving Ghanaian nationals in that country and has assured Ghana of investigations into the incident.
According to the Minister, the assurance was given during diplomatic engagements between both countries following reports of harassment captured in viral videos.
“South Africa has expressed regret and assured that it will investigate the xenophobic attack on a Ghanaian in the country and take steps to nip these condemnable acts in the bud,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.
He said that Ghana has strongly condemned the incident and continues to engage South African authorities to ensure the safety and protection of its citizens living in that country.
Mr. Ablakwa further indicated that he had held discussions with his South African counterpart, during which Ghana’s concerns were firmly communicated.
The Minister reaffirmed that Ghana expects swift and decisive action to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and to safeguard the rights and dignity of foreign nationals.
The development comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has previously affected foreign residents across various communities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will continue to monitor the situation closely and engage South African authorities until full assurances are met.
