The Ghana First Alliance has announced plans to stage a massive peaceful demonstration in Accra to demand stronger diplomatic and economic measures against South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians.
Addressing a press conference, Lead Convener of the Alliance, Nana Otu Darko, disclosed that the group has formally served a public order notice on the Greater Accra Regional Headquarters of the Ghana Police Service, signaling its intention to organize what it describes as a disciplined national protest.
According to him, the demonstration is in response to attacks against Ghanaian nationals in South Africa, which reportedly resulted in the emergency evacuation of about 300 Ghanaians back to Ghana.
“We expect the Ghana Police Service to fulfill its statutory duty under the Public Order Act by providing the necessary security assistance and protection required for this peaceful demonstration,” he stated.
The Alliance commended the Government of Ghana for facilitating the evacuation of the affected citizens, describing the move as swift and decisive. However, Nana Otu Darko argued that evacuation alone is not enough and called for long-term measures to safeguard the dignity, security and interests of Ghanaians living abroad. Read Also: Ghana Pushes for Inclusive Urban Growth at World Urban Forum
“Evacuation is a temporary shield. We now require permanent, structural and institutional solutions to protect our national dignity,” he stressed.
As part of its demands, the group is calling on the government to review its economic and diplomatic relations with South Africa. The Alliance wants authorities to refuse the renewal of expired corporate and mining licenses held by South African-owned companies operating in Ghana.
It is also demanding an immediate review of Ghana’s visa-free policy for South African citizens, proposing that South Africans be required to obtain visas before entering Ghana.
The group further urged immigration authorities to enforce existing laws against foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas, including South African citizens residing illegally in the country. http://dailydemocratnewsonline.com
Beyond Ghana, the Alliance is appealing to the African Union (AU) to intervene and address recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa, arguing that such incidents undermine the principles of pan-African unity, human rights and free movement across the continent.
The demonstration will also serve as a platform to advocate for comprehensive reintegration support for the 300 Ghanaians who were evacuated from South Africa.
According to Nana Otu Darko, petitions will be presented to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Presidency at Jubilee House to ensure that the concerns of affected Ghanaians are brought directly to the attention of key decision-makers.
He emphasized that the planned demonstration will be peaceful and law-abiding.
“We are marching to enforce the law and protect human lives, not to break the law. Our strength lies in our numbers, our discipline and our unwavering focus,” he said.
The Ghana First Alliance has therefore called on the public and all participants to remain calm, organized and peaceful as preparations for the demonstration continue.
