Okoe Vanderpuije commends government for swift response to xenophobic crisis
📍 Accra • by iamkingvinis • Jun 01, 2026
Chairman of Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee and Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, has commended the Government of Ghana for what he described as a timely and compassionate response to the plight of Ghanaian citizens affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa. In a statement, Mr. Vanderpuije praised the Government's decision to evacuate Ghanaians caught up in the violence, saying the intervention demonstrated leadership and a strong commitment to the protection of citizens beyond the country's borders.
The Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman expressed deep concern over reports of violence, intimidation and harassment directed at foreign African nationals in parts of South Africa, noting that many Ghanaians and other African migrants had been affected by the disturbing developments. He particularly applauded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for coordinating the evacuation exercise and ensuring the safe return of affected Ghanaians.
Mr. Vanderpuije also commended Ghana's Ambassador to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, as well as officials of the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria, for their efforts in supporting citizens during the crisis and facilitating their evacuation. "I am encouraged by the strong assurance given by Government that no Ghanaian citizen would be abandoned in moments of distress regardless of where they may find themselves across the globe. This assurance reflects the true spirit of responsible governance and national solidarity," he stated.
According to him, the Government's intervention sends a reassuring message to Ghanaians living abroad that their welfare remains a national priority, even in times of crisis.
He noted that beyond the evacuation itself, authorities provided emergency travel documentation, consular assistance and reintegration support to affected citizens returning home.
"These interventions demonstrate Ghana's unwavering commitment to the protection, dignity and welfare of its people," he stressed.Mr. Vanderpuije assured the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the full support of Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee in all efforts aimed at safeguarding Ghanaian citizens abroad and strengthening the country's diplomatic engagements.
He said Parliament stands in solidarity with victims of the attacks and extends heartfelt sympathy to families affected by the violence.
The Ablekuma South legislator further called on African leaders, the African Union and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to promote unity, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and the protection of human rights across the continent.
"Africa's strength lies in unity, brotherhood and mutual respect. There is therefore no place for xenophobia, intolerance and violence against fellow Africans anywhere on the continent," he emphasized.
Mr. Vanderpuije warned that xenophobia undermines the vision of African integration and threatens the spirit of Pan-Africanism that has long guided relations among countries on the continent.
He urged governments across Africa to work collaboratively to address the root causes of such tensions while strengthening measures to protect migrants and vulnerable communities.
The Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman also advised Ghanaians currently residing in South Africa to remain law-abiding, maintain close contact with Ghana's diplomatic mission and comply with all safety advisories issued by authorities.
His remarks come amid growing concern over renewed attacks against foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting calls for stronger action to protect migrants and preserve the values of African unity and solidarity.
The Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman expressed deep concern over reports of violence, intimidation and harassment directed at foreign African nationals in parts of South Africa, noting that many Ghanaians and other African migrants had been affected by the disturbing developments. He particularly applauded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for coordinating the evacuation exercise and ensuring the safe return of affected Ghanaians.
Mr. Vanderpuije also commended Ghana's Ambassador to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, as well as officials of the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria, for their efforts in supporting citizens during the crisis and facilitating their evacuation. "I am encouraged by the strong assurance given by Government that no Ghanaian citizen would be abandoned in moments of distress regardless of where they may find themselves across the globe. This assurance reflects the true spirit of responsible governance and national solidarity," he stated.
According to him, the Government's intervention sends a reassuring message to Ghanaians living abroad that their welfare remains a national priority, even in times of crisis.
He noted that beyond the evacuation itself, authorities provided emergency travel documentation, consular assistance and reintegration support to affected citizens returning home.
"These interventions demonstrate Ghana's unwavering commitment to the protection, dignity and welfare of its people," he stressed.Mr. Vanderpuije assured the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the full support of Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee in all efforts aimed at safeguarding Ghanaian citizens abroad and strengthening the country's diplomatic engagements.
He said Parliament stands in solidarity with victims of the attacks and extends heartfelt sympathy to families affected by the violence.
The Ablekuma South legislator further called on African leaders, the African Union and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to promote unity, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and the protection of human rights across the continent.
"Africa's strength lies in unity, brotherhood and mutual respect. There is therefore no place for xenophobia, intolerance and violence against fellow Africans anywhere on the continent," he emphasized.
Mr. Vanderpuije warned that xenophobia undermines the vision of African integration and threatens the spirit of Pan-Africanism that has long guided relations among countries on the continent.
He urged governments across Africa to work collaboratively to address the root causes of such tensions while strengthening measures to protect migrants and vulnerable communities.
The Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman also advised Ghanaians currently residing in South Africa to remain law-abiding, maintain close contact with Ghana's diplomatic mission and comply with all safety advisories issued by authorities.
His remarks come amid growing concern over renewed attacks against foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting calls for stronger action to protect migrants and preserve the values of African unity and solidarity.
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