The Minority Caucus on the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament has strongly criticized the government over the postponement of the planned evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, describing the situation as deeply troubling and a sign of poor crisis management.
In a statement signed by Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, Ranking Member on the Committee and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Damongo, the Minority expressed concern about what it called the government’s failure to match public assurances with concrete action.
The statement followed the announcement by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicating that the planned evacuation exercise had been postponed due to legal and logistical challenges.
The announcement has sparked disappointment among many Ghanaians living in South Africa who had registered for assistance following fears arising from renewed xenophobic tensions in that country.
No emergency response structures
The Minority argued that the postponement raises concerns about whether the Ministry has the operational systems and emergency response structures needed to effectively manage crises affecting Ghanaians abroad.
“Unfortunately, this latest development only reinforces a growing concern about the Ministry’s approach to matters of foreign affairs and citizen protection.
“In particular, it highlights the importance of ensuring that public announcements are adequately supported by the operational systems required for effective implementation,” Mr Jinapor stated.
He urged government to appreciate the emotional and psychological impact the situation is having on affected citizens and their families.
Mr Jinapor explained that behind every figure or statistic are real people living in fear and uncertainty while depending on their home country for protection, reassurance, and support.
“Government must therefore wake up to its responsibility. Behind every statistic is a Ghanaian citizen, a family living in fear, and people looking to their country for protection and reassurance,” he added.
According to Mr Jinapor, recent reports of intimidation, violence, and xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa created widespread fear and uncertainty among many Africans living there, including Ghanaians.
He noted that the reports naturally heightened concerns over the safety and welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad, forcing the government itself to announce plans for an evacuation operation aimed at protecting affected citizens.
Ghanaians registered for evacuation
Hundreds of Ghanaians are believed to have registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria in anticipation of support and possible evacuation arrangements.
However, Mr Jinapor said it is disappointed that after several public statements and assurances by government officials, the evacuation exercise has now been delayed because of what authorities describe as legal and logistical requirements.
He argued that such challenges should have been anticipated and resolved before any official commitment was made to the public.
“It is therefore disappointing that after the announcements, assurances and public statements, we are now being told that the exercise has been postponed due to legal and logistical requirements.
“Such matters should not become obstacles in the middle of a crisis response. They are issues that ought to have been considered and addressed before commitments were made publicly,” Mr Jinapor who is also a former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources added.
He further stressed that from the moment reports of renewed xenophobic attacks first emerged, the Minority consistently called for swift and decisive action from government to ensure the safety of Ghanaian citizens in South Africa.
According to him, the protection of citizens abroad remains a fundamental responsibility of every government and should never be treated lightly.
He bemoaned the latest development reflects a broader problem regarding the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ handling of issues involving citizen protection and diplomacy.
The Minority has therefore reiterated its call for government to act urgently and transparently in dealing with the situation.
Call for regular updates
Mr Jinapor called on government to provide regular updates to affected citizens and the general public while ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to guarantee the safety, welfare, and dignity of Ghanaians living abroad.
The Minority also emphasized that crisis management requires not only public communication but also effective implementation and preparedness.
The issue of xenophobic violence in South Africa has remained a recurring concern for several African countries over the years.
Periodic attacks on foreign nationals, including migrants from other African nations, have often triggered diplomatic tensions and calls for stronger protection measures.
Ghanaians living in South Africa have on several occasions expressed fears over their safety during periods of unrest, with many appealing for intervention from Ghanaian authorities.
The latest concerns come at a time when many African governments are under pressure to improve the protection and welfare of their citizens living overseas.
While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to provide a new timeline for the evacuation exercise, many affected citizens are expected to continue waiting anxiously for further direction and support from government.
The Minority maintained that the situation should serve as a wake-up call for authorities to strengthen Ghana’s emergency response systems for citizens abroad and ensure that future interventions are backed by adequate planning and implementation mechanisms.
