ACCRA, Ghana, 5th May: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed the safe return to Ghana of Mr. Emmanuel Akowuah Asamoah, who was recently captured in a viral video being assaulted in South Africa.
The disturbing footage, which sparked widespread concern across the African continent, is part of a growing trend of attacks reportedly targeting foreign nationals particularly other Africans amid tensions in parts of South Africa.
Mr. Asamoah, a Ghanaian national, became the latest victim of such violence after the video of his assault circulated widely on social media, drawing condemnation and reigniting debates about xenophobia in Africa.
In a post shared on his social media platforms on Tuesday, May 5, Mr. Ablakwa announced Mr. Asamoah’s safe return and expressed appreciation to Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, for personally accompanying him back home.
“We are delighted to welcome back home from South Africa our dear compatriot, Mr. Emmanuel Akowuah Asamoah. I commend our High Commissioner to South Africa, His Excellency Benjamin Quarshie, for accompanying our brother all the way,” the Minister stated.
The Minister also reiterated government support for Ghanaians in distress abroad, urging those in South Africa who wish to return home to contact the Ghana High Commission for assistance, which will be fully funded by the Government of Ghana.
“As we have already announced, Ghanaians who wish to be relocated back home should contact our High Commission to be assisted at the Government of Ghana’s expense,” he added.
Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that the administration of President John Dramani Mahama remains committed to protecting the welfare of Ghanaians wherever they may be.
“The Mahama Administration values every Ghanaian life anywhere in the world, and we shall never abandon our citizens in distress. Your welfare remains our utmost priority. I look forward to hosting Mr. Asamoah when I return to Ghana later this week. A warm Akwaaba to our cherished Ghanaian. It is well. There is no place like home. For God and Country,” he wrote.
The incident has renewed calls for stronger diplomatic engagement and continental action to address the recurring issue of xenophobic attacks within Africa.
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Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭