Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quarshie has assured that no Ghanaian has been harmed following ongoing protests in parts of South Africa, particularly in Pretoria and nearby communities.
The protests, organised by a group known as the March Organisation, are being held at the Union Buildings. Led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, the group is demanding the removal of undocumented foreign nationals from the country.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Middaynews programme on Tuesday, Mr Quarshie said the Ghanaian Mission had issued an urgent advisory to citizens living in affected areas, urging them to stay indoors and temporarily shut their shops as a precaution while the demonstrations continue.
According to him, the Mission acted swiftly after receiving intelligence about planned protests in several locations.
“We issued an advisory to all Ghanaians, especially those in Pretoria and surrounding areas, asking them to remain at home and close their shops temporarily to avoid any confrontation,” he said.
Mr Quarshie noted that the situation remains calm and under control, with a heavy police presence deployed to maintain law and order throughout the demonstrations.
He added that no Ghanaian-owned business has been attacked or vandalised, stressing that adherence to the advisory has helped prevent any incidents so far.
“Fortunately, there is a strong police presence providing security. At the moment, no Ghanaian has reported any harm or property damage,” he stated.
The High Commissioner also explained that South African police are not only protecting lives and property but are also ensuring that demonstrators stick to approved routes while presenting their grievances to authorities.
On whether the advisory would remain in force, Mr Quarshie said the Mission is closely monitoring developments across various regions and will provide updates when necessary.
He further disclosed that he is currently in East London handling a separate consular matter involving Ghanaians, which has since been resolved and is unrelated to xenophobic attacks.
Mr Quarshie reassured Ghanaians living in South Africa that the Mission remains committed to their safety and will continue engaging local authorities to ensure their protection during public disturbances.Benjamin Anani Quarshie has assured that no Ghanaian has been harmed following ongoing protests in parts of South Africa, particularly in Pretoria and nearby communities.
The protests, organised by a group known as the March Organisation, are being held at the Union Buildings. Led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, the group is demanding the removal of undocumented foreign nationals from the country.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Middaynews programme on Tuesday, Mr Quarshie said the Ghanaian Mission had issued an urgent advisory to citizens living in affected areas, urging them to stay indoors and temporarily shut their shops as a precaution while the demonstrations continue.
According to him, the Mission acted swiftly after receiving intelligence about planned protests in several locations.
“We issued an advisory to all Ghanaians, especially those in Pretoria and surrounding areas, asking them to remain at home and close their shops temporarily to avoid any confrontation,” he said.
Mr Quarshie noted that the situation remains calm and under control, with a heavy police presence deployed to maintain law and order throughout the demonstrations.
He added that no Ghanaian-owned business has been attacked or vandalised, stressing that adherence to the advisory has helped prevent any incidents so far.
“Fortunately, there is a strong police presence providing security. At the moment, no Ghanaian has reported any harm or property damage,” he stated.
The High Commissioner also explained that South African police are not only protecting lives and property but are also ensuring that demonstrators stick to approved routes while presenting their grievances to authorities.
On whether the advisory would remain in force, Mr Quarshie said the Mission is closely monitoring developments across various regions and will provide updates when necessary.
He further disclosed that he is currently in East London handling a separate consular matter involving Ghanaians, which has since been resolved and is unrelated to xenophobic attacks.
Mr Quarshie reassured Ghanaians living in South Africa that the Mission remains committed to their safety and will continue engaging local authorities to ensure their protection during public disturbances.