Security Analyst and Fraud Consultant, Richard Kumadoe, has strongly condemned the recurring xenophobic attacks against Ghanaians living in South Africa, describing the situation as disturbing, unacceptable, and a growing threat to the safety of foreign nationals.
Speaking on Adekyee Mu Nsem, the morning programme on Ahotor 92.3 FM hosted by Nana Dogbe, Mr. Kumadoe expressed deep concern over the continued assaults and intimidation reportedly being faced by Ghanaian citizens in South Africa.
According to him, the attacks have persisted for far too long without decisive intervention from South African authorities, making it necessary for the Government of Ghana to intensify diplomatic engagement on the matter.
“It has gotten to a point where Ghana as a country must speak strongly about this issue because it has gone on for too long,” he stated. “I believe Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry and the President must take the matter up diplomatically so that we can find a permanent solution.”
Mr. Kumadoe described as disappointing claims by some South Africans that Ghanaians and other foreign nationals are taking away employment opportunities from local citizens.
He questioned the justification for such hostility, stressing that no economic concern should lead to violence, abuse, or the molestation of innocent people.
“It is very disappointing to hear claims that Ghanaians are taking their jobs. What kind of jobs are they talking about?” he asked. “Ghanaian citizens are being beaten and attacked, and that cannot be justified under any circumstance.”
The security analyst emphasized that the South African government has a constitutional and moral responsibility to ensure the protection and safety of every individual residing within its borders, regardless of nationality.
According to him, the recurring violence reflects what he described as a lackadaisical response from authorities over the years.
“It is the responsibility of the South African government to protect the rights of everyone and provide public safety assurances for all residents,” he noted. “These attacks have been happening for a long time, yet nothing concrete appears to have been done to stop them.”
Mr. Kumadoe argued that if firm and proactive measures had been implemented earlier by the South African government, the situation would not have escalated to the current alarming level where foreign nationals are allegedly being assaulted openly.
“If decisive action had been taken long ago, this issue would not have reached the stage where citizens are molested in such a manner,” he stressed.
He further called for stronger cooperation between African governments to safeguard the dignity, safety, and unity of citizens across the continent.
The security analyst comments come amid renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals, particularly Africans from other countries, have periodically faced hostility, intimidation, and attacks linked to unemployment and economic frustrations.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe/Ahotoronline.com
