Bosome Freho MP Faults “Social Media Diplomacy” Between Ablakwa and South African Minister, Calls for Quiet Engagement to Protect Citizens

Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee and the Member of Parliament for Bosome Freho Constituency, Hon. Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, has warned against public diplomatic exchanges with South Africa over xenophobic attacks, saying it could endanger Ghanaians living there.

Responding to a statement by Majority Chief Whip Hon. Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, the Bosome Freho MP said about 50,000 Ghanaians reside in South Africa, but only 1,000 have been evacuated so far.

*“Social media diplomacy is risky”*

Hon. Ayeh referenced recent public exchanges between Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and South Africa’s Foreign Minister, saying: “Diplomacy is not always running to social media. Sometimes we must resort to back door negotiations and engagement which is clean and clear.”

He warned that public spats could put the remaining 49,000 Ghanaians at risk.

*400 Ghanaians stranded in Pretoria*

The MP disclosed that about 400 Ghanaians from nine provinces have gathered in Pretoria after biometric capture and removal from South Africa’s Home Affairs system, but remain stranded. He urged government to arrange their repatriation.

Hon. Ayeh stressed that while no African country supports xenophobia, enforcement must be left to state authorities. “If somebody is in your country illegally it is not for you the citizen to walk them out. The government must take action,” he said.

He called on South African leaders to issue strong statements and act decisively to stop the attacks.