Xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians: South African Gov't must take action - International Relations Expert

International Relations Expert, Prof. Lord Mawuko-Yevugah has strongly condemned the recent xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians in South Africa, urging authorities to enforce immigration laws rather than allowing citizens to take matters into their own hands.

Speaking on the developments in an interview on TV3's Ghana Tonight, April 22, 2026 Prof. Mawuko-Yevugah stressed that while every country has the right to regulate the presence of migrants, both legal and undocumented, the enforcement of such laws must remain the responsibility of immigration authorities, not citizens.

He called on the South African government to act decisively to protect foreign nationals and restore order, noting that failure to do so could further escalate tensions.

"Even if individuals do not have the requisite papers, the appropriate authorities are there to take them on and find a way out of it. It is not the duty of ordinary citizens to take the law into their own hands and start attacking people, that is why I think the South African government have to do something," he stated.

He further criticised the actions of individuals who have reportedly targeted and attacked foreign nationals, describing such conduct as unacceptable in any civilised society.

"If they do not have papers, the Immigration authorities should round them up and deport them or find a way to resolve it instead of ordinary citizens taking the law into their own hands and attacking people. That is not the way to go in a civilized country," he added.

Prof. Mawuko-Yevugah emphasised that adherence to due process and respect for human dignity are essential in managing migration issues, warning that mob justice only deepens divisions and damages a country’s international image.