Rising anger over renewed xenophobic attacks on African migrants in South Africa spilled onto the streets of Ghana’s capital as demonstrators marched to the headquarters of MTN Group in Accra, chanting “South Africa Must Go” and demanding stronger action against what they described as persistent hostility toward fellow Africans living in South Africa.
The protest, which drew scores of activists and concerned citizens, comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Accra and Pretoria following reports of attacks, intimidation, and harassment targeting foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, in several South African communities. Ghana recently began the voluntary repatriation of hundreds of its citizens from South Africa after fears for their safety intensified.
Demonstrators accused South African authorities of failing to adequately protect African migrants and called for stronger continental action against xenophobia. Some protesters also directed their frustration at South African-owned businesses operating in Ghana, viewing them as symbols of Pretoria’s economic footprint across the continent. Similar calls for demonstrations and restrictions on South African interests have emerged from civic groups in Ghana in recent weeks.
The protest unfolded against the backdrop of a worsening diplomatic dispute between the two countries. Ghana has formally protested the treatment of its citizens, advised against non-essential travel to South Africa, and evacuated hundreds of nationals amid mounting concerns over anti-immigrant violence. More than 800 Ghanaians reportedly registered for repatriation as anxiety spread within migrant communities.
Civil society organisations across Ghana have warned that continued attacks on African migrants threaten not only lives and livelihoods but also the broader ideals of Pan-African unity and economic integration championed by the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
While South African authorities have condemned violence against foreign nationals and denied allegations of state-backed xenophobia, anti-immigrant protests and tensions have continued to generate concern across the continent. The unrest has already triggered diplomatic engagements, emergency evacuations, and growing public outrage in several African countries.
As demonstrators dispersed from the MTN premises, their message remained unmistakable: Africa’s promise of unity cannot endure while fellow Africans live under the shadow of fear in another African nation. :::