No Ghanaian in detention after South Africa anti-immigration protests – High Commissioner

Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie has said no Ghanaian remains in police custody following anti-immigration protests that swept through parts of South Africa on Tuesday, June 30.

Mr. Quashie disclosed that although a number of Ghanaians were temporarily detained during immigration operations, all have since been released through the intervention of officials from the Ghana High Commission.

"We've been monitoring the situation since 6 a.m. this morning. A couple of Ghanaians were arrested and all of them, I can confidently tell you, have been released through the intervention of our consular officers," he said while speaking in an interview on Citi FM, June 30.

He explained that those detained were stopped during routine immigration checks and asked to produce identification documents.

After identifying themselves as Ghanaians, South African authorities contacted the High Commission to verify their nationality before releasing them.

According to Mr. Quashie, the Ghana High Commission has an arrangement with South African law enforcement agencies, requiring them to consult the mission whenever a Ghanaian national is arrested.

"The agreement is that if any Ghanaian is arrested, the authorities should first confirm with us. We verify whether the individual is indeed Ghanaian and advise accordingly," he said.

The High Commissioner's assurance comes as anti-immigration demonstrations gathered momentum in several South African cities, including Pretoria, where protesters called for stricter enforcement of immigration laws.

The protests have heightened concerns among migrant communities, with many foreign nationals limiting their movements over fears of possible attacks.

However, Mr. Quashie said the High Commission has not received reports of widespread violence targeting Ghanaians.

He noted that only one Ghanaian was involved in an incident after ignoring the mission's directive to remain indoors.

"The only case we recorded involved a Ghanaian who admitted that he left his accommodation to visit his shop despite our advice. Unfortunately, protesters confronted him," he said.

He added that no Ghanaian had sustained injuries and no Ghanaian-owned businesses or properties had been damaged during the demonstrations.

Mr. Quashie urged Ghanaians living in South Africa to remain vigilant, follow official safety directives and avoid unnecessary travel until the security situation stabilises.

He further disclosed that the Ghana High Commission will organise another voluntary repatriation exercise next week for citizens who wish to return home as anti-immigration tensions continue in parts of South Africa.