The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory urging Ghanaians planning to visit the Republic of South Africa to exercise heightened caution due to ongoing anti-African campaigns and planned nationwide demonstrations.
In a statement issued on Sunday, June 29, the Ministry warned that protests and a nationwide shutdown scheduled for June 30, together with an unofficial deadline reportedly issued by certain activist groups for foreign African nationals to leave the country, could trigger incidents of intimidation, violence and attacks targeting foreign Africans.
The Ministry, however, noted that the South African government has publicly stated that the purported deadline has no legal basis and has assured that law enforcement agencies are prepared to maintain public order.
It nonetheless advised Ghanaian nationals travelling to or already in South Africa to remain vigilant until the security situation improves.
The Ministry urged prospective travellers to reconsider non-essential travel to areas where demonstrations are expected, avoid protests and large public gatherings, monitor local news and updates from Ghana’s High Commission in South Africa, and ensure their travel documents remain valid and readily accessible. It also encouraged travellers to avoid moving around after dark unless absolutely necessary and to maintain regular communication with family members.
For Ghanaians currently residing in South Africa, the Ministry advised limiting unnecessary movement, staying away from protest routes and areas experiencing unrest, keeping emergency supplies and communication devices readily available, and reporting any threats or attacks immediately to the South African Police Service and the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria.
The Ministry further encouraged Ghanaian nationals requiring emergency consular assistance to contact the High Commission of Ghana in Pretoria through its official emergency telephone numbers and email address.
It reaffirmed the Government of Ghana’s commitment to protecting the safety and welfare of Ghanaians abroad and urged all citizens in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security conscious during the period of heightened tension.
