Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Patrick Yaw Boamah, has cautioned government against what he describes as the risk of misrepresentation and propaganda in its handling of recent xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa.
According to the Okaikwei Central MP, the sensitive nature of the developments requires a measured, factual and diplomatic response, warning that any attempt to distort the situation could undermine Ghana’s foreign relations and investor confidence.
Speaking on the matter at a press briefing with journalists in parliament, Mr. Boamah called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs to urgently appear before Parliament to provide a comprehensive briefing on the situation and government’s response efforts.
“The issue is too important to be reduced to political communication. Parliament and the Ghanaian public deserve accurate information on what is happening and the steps being taken to protect our citizens,” he stressed.
Mr. Boamah expressed concern over what he described as discrepancies between accounts being provided by some Ghanaian officials and reports emerging from South African authorities, arguing that conflicting narratives could create uncertainty and damage Ghana’s international standing.
He further warned that any mishandling of the situation could have broader implications for trade, investment and diplomatic relations between the two countries.
His comments come amid growing concern over attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting calls for enhanced diplomatic engagement and stronger protection for affected communities.
The lawmaker maintained that government must approach the matter with transparency, accuracy and diplomacy to ensure the safety of Ghanaians abroad while preserving the longstanding relations between Ghana and South Africa.
