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Government of Ghana facilitates safe return of Ghanaian caught in South Africa xenophobic attacks
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The Government of Ghana has facilitated the safe return of a Ghanaian national, Emmanuel Akowuah Asamoah, who appeared in a viral video linked to recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Mr. Asamoah arrived in Ghana on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in the company of Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie.
He was received at the airport by Ambassador Harold Agyeman and other officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Addressing the media, Ambassador Agyeman said the government remains committed to protecting the welfare of Ghanaians living abroad.
According to him, following the incident involving Mr. Asamoah, immediate action was taken on the instructions of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to relocate him to a safe place and reunite him with his family.
Ambassador Agyeman described the xenophobic attacks as worrying and stressed that Africa must remain a place of unity and mutual respect among its people.
He said Ghana strongly condemns attacks against African nationals and recalled that the Foreign Affairs Minister had earlier summoned the Acting South African High Commissioner to formally express Ghana’s concerns over the situation.
He added that the government would continue to monitor developments closely while relying on assurances from South African authorities to address the matter.
In his remarks, High Commissioner Quashie said the Ghana High Commission in South Africa has been engaging local authorities over the attacks.
Although he noted that the situation has not fully returned to normal, he said South African authorities have acknowledged Ghana’s concerns and are working to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
He praised the Foreign Affairs Minister for his swift intervention and commitment to the welfare of Ghanaians living abroad.
Mr. Quashie further assured that the Ghana High Commission would continue to work with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of Ghanaians in South Africa.
According to him, the Mission has also been issuing regular advisory notices to members of the Ghanaian community, guiding them on safe areas and warning them to avoid places where unrest could occur.
Mr. Asamoah, on his part, thanked the government for acting quickly to ensure his safety and return home.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, staged a massive nationwide protest in Accra dubbed “Democracy Under Attack” to register its displeasure over what it describes as threats to Ghana’s democratic governance and justice system.
The demonstration commenced at 5:00 a.m., with hundreds of party supporters, executives and sympathizers gathering at the forecourt of the Supreme Court before marching through principal streets of the capital.
Ahead of the protest, the NPP National Steering Committee directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilize members and supporters for the event.
Led by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the protesters presented their first petition at the Supreme Court.
The five-page petition was received by Judicial Secretary, Musah Ahmed, on behalf of the Chief Justice.
He assured the party leadership that the document would be delivered to the Chief Justice.
At the Jubilee House, Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah received the second petition on behalf of the President.
However, the gesture did not sit well with some party leaders.
Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who also presented a petition, expressed disappointment at the government’s representation.
“Electing only Nana Yaa Jantuah to receive the petition on behalf of the government was an insult and did not show respect,” he said.
According to him, “It meant government did not place premium on the Democracy Under Attack demonstration.”
Speeches and Concerns Raised
Addressing the crowd, MP for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku criticized what he called the criminalization of free speech.
“Arresting citizens for just insults doesn’t strengthen Ghana’s democracy,” he stated.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an embattled National Communications Director hopeful, also spoke about the climate of fear.
“Democracy under attack demo: I love to speak but right now I am afraid,” he told journalists.
One protester, a local trader, shared her frustration about the state of Ghana’s economy as she joined the march. She said the rising cost of living and governance issues compelled her to hit the streets.
The NPP leadership expressed appreciation to its members, civil society organizations and other political parties for cooperating fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.
The “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance, rule of law and the justice system.
Security was tight but calm throughout the march, with no major incidents reported.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced new measures to stop extortion and begging by airport personnel at airports under its management.
The decision was taken at a high-level stakeholder facilitation meeting held in Accra on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
In a press statement issued after the meeting, GACL said stakeholders agreed to introduce a “mystery shopping” system in which individuals would secretly assess the conduct of airport personnel.
According to the statement, workers found engaging in extortion would be publicly identified through appropriate media channels as part of a “name and shame” campaign aimed at discouraging the practice and promoting accountability.
GACL said staff found guilty would face disciplinary action and would no longer be allowed to work at any airport or within its surroundings.
The company also announced a dedicated hotline, 0542175636, through which passengers can report extortion by airport officials and service providers by phone call, WhatsApp or SMS.
The statement said reports should include the date and time of the incident, the name of the officer, the agency involved and the location where the incident occurred.
GACL said the hotline covers personnel from several agencies and companies operating at the airports, including the Ghana Immigration Service, Customs, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, the Ghana Police Service, National Security, airlines, ground handling companies, private security firms and airport concessionaires such as shops and restaurants.
The company reminded passengers that they have the right to ask any airport official to show an Airport Identification Card before dealing with them.
It advised travellers to request receipts for all payments made at the airport and to report any suspicious transaction through the hotline.
GACL said it was working together with airport stakeholders to improve standards at the airports and protect Ghana’s image.
The company added that public cooperation in reporting unacceptable conduct would help strengthen confidence in the country’s airports and support efforts to position Ghana as a
leading aviation hub in West Africa.
By: Jacob Aggrey
