The Government of Ghana has formally summoned the South African envoy to protest a surge in xenophobic harassment and intimidation targeting its citizens in the Republic of South Africa.

In a press release issued Thursday, April 23, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Acting High Commissioner of the South African High Commission in Ghana, Mr. Thando Dalamba, was called to a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to address the escalating tensions.

The diplomatic move follows the circulation of viral videos documenting acts of harassment against foreign nationals. Minister Ablakwa specifically cited an incident in KwaZulu-Natal, where a legal Ghanaian resident was confronted and ordered to “fix his country” after being forced to provide proof of his legal status.

“Such conduct undermines the dignity and rights of law-abiding individuals,” the Ministry stated, registering a formal protest against the “unprovoked harassment.”

While the Ministry noted that no fatalities or injuries have been recorded in the current wave of incidents, it highlighted that tensions are high enough that foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, are being advised to remain indoors for their own safety. The Ghanaian government stressed the urgent need for intervention to prevent a recurrence of past xenophobic violence that resulted in the loss of lives and property.

During the summons, Minister Ablakwa underscored the deep historical ties between the two nations, reminding the envoy of Ghana’s pivotal role in the anti-apartheid struggle and the sacrifices made under Dr. Kwame Nkrumah to support South Africa’s liberation. He emphasized that current attacks are contrary to the principles of African solidarity and peaceful coexistence.

In response, Acting High Commissioner Dalamba acknowledged the concerns and assured the Ghanaian government that South African law enforcement is monitoring the situation closely. He indicated that the South African government is committed to restoring calm and holding those responsible for the harassment accountable.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded by assuring the public of its continued commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaian nationals in South Africa through ongoing diplomatic engagement.

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority, Edudzi Tamakloe, has issued a strong warning to the public to desist from siphoning fuel from accidented tankers, describing the practice as dangerous and illegal.

He revealed that the Authority is collaborating with the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to identify and prosecute individuals involved, adding that video evidence from accident scenes is already being used to track offenders.

“We are taking video recordings and giving them to the Ghana Police to identify known faces for arrest and prosecution,” he said.

Mr. Tamakloe noted that surveillance and enforcement will be intensified, especially along known hotspots such as the Nsawam–Kumasi corridor, where such incidents are frequent.

He condemned the act as reckless and life-threatening, explaining that some individuals still rush to tanker crash sites with containers and even attempt to puncture tanks to collect fuel.

According to him, beyond being theft, the practice exposes entire communities to serious danger due to the highly flammable nature of petroleum products.

“When there is a tanker accident, people move from their homes with gallons… ignition can occur. The next thing is boom—and everybody is gone,” he cautioned.

He urged the public to stay away from accident scenes entirely, stressing that attempting to collect fuel is a deadly risk.

“Please do not go near it. Do not carry containers to fetch fuel. You are inviting death to your home,” he warned.

Senior officials from Ghana and Sierra Leone have convened in Accra for the inaugural technical session of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC), aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and advancing joint development goals.

The meeting, held on April 21, 2026, marks the activation of a framework established in 2013 to facilitate structured dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking at the session, Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Co-Chairperson, Khadija Iddrisu, highlighted the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Sierra Leone, rooted in mutual respect and collaboration. She noted that extensive preparations had been undertaken to ensure the session delivers practical outcomes, particularly in trade, investment, defence, agriculture, energy, and health.

Her Sierra Leonean counterpart, Director-General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alan C. E. Logan, described the meeting as a key step toward translating the shared vision of both countries’ leaders into tangible benefits for citizens. He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to deepening economic ties and leveraging Ghana’s expertise in sectors such as agriculture.

The session underscores a renewed push by both nations to deepen cooperation and promote sustainable development through structured engagement.

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding transnational education through strategic international collaborations aimed at improving quality and access in Ghana’s tertiary sector.

He made the remarks while receiving a delegation from Hainan University, led by its Vice President, Dr. Gao, who paid a courtesy call to explore partnership opportunities in areas such as Information Technology, agriculture, and engineering.

Mr. Iddrisu commended China’s advancement in education—particularly in Information Technology—and praised the university for initiating discussions toward collaboration with Ghanaian institutions.

He noted that the government, under the leadership of John Mahama, is implementing policies to strengthen transnational education as part of broader efforts to expand tertiary education and enhance its quality.

According to the Minister, international partnerships remain critical to achieving these goals, especially as Ghana seeks to position its higher education sector to meet global standards and demands.

Ghana is set to host the 24th African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra from May 12 to May 17, 2026, in what authorities describe as a major boost for sports development and international visibility.

The announcement was made by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation – Ghana in collaboration with the Ghana Athletics Association, signaling the country’s readiness to welcome top athletes from across the continent.

The championship, one of Africa’s premier athletics events, is expected to attract elite competitors, officials, and fans, positioning Accra as a key destination for international sporting events.

Officials say the event will not only showcase Ghana’s capacity to host major competitions but also contribute to the growth of athletics locally while boosting tourism and economic activity.

Further details on venues, participating countries, and event schedules are expected to be released in the coming weeks as preparations intensify.