The Minority in Parliament has called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs to appear before the House to provide a comprehensive briefing on recent developments involving Ghanaian nationals in South Africa and the government’s response to the situation.
Addressing journalists in Parliament on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Bodi, Richard Boamah, expressed concern over reports of evacuations being carried out following what he described as an unfortunate incident in South Africa.
According to him, Parliament and the Ghanaian public need clarity on the circumstances surrounding the evacuations, especially given the significant number of Ghanaians living and working in South Africa.
“We know that there are over 25,000 to 30,000 Ghanaians in South Africa. It will be very good for the Foreign Minister to come and brief the House because we do not want any propaganda, misrepresentation, or any form of unconventional diplomatic approach to be adopted,” he stated.
Mr. Boamah emphasized the longstanding diplomatic and economic ties between Ghana and South Africa, noting that South African investments have played a crucial role in Ghana’s economy.
He cited major companies such as MTN Ghana and Stanbic Bank Ghana as examples of South African businesses that have created employment opportunities for Ghanaians.
He stressed that Parliament must be fully informed to help safeguard the relationship between the two countries and contribute to resolving any issues that may have arisen.
The Minority lawmaker also pointed to apparent differences in public statements made by Ghanaian and South African officials regarding the situation.
According to him, comments from South Africa’s foreign minister suggest that there are unresolved issues requiring further clarification.
“If you registered over 1,500 Ghanaians and have only been able to evacuate about 300, what is happening to the rest of our nationals?” he questioned.
Mr. Boamah further raised concerns about the fate of Ghanaians who may not have registered for evacuation, noting that many Ghanaians occupy key positions in South Africa across various sectors, including finance, local government, defense, and private enterprises.
He warned against allowing the current developments to undermine the strong bilateral relations that have existed between the two nations for decades.
“Diplomacy has nothing to do with propaganda and mischief. The minister may have a case, and the South Africans may also have concerns regarding immigration or migration issues. Parliament may equally have suggestions that can help address the matter,” he said.
The Minority is therefore urging the Speaker and the leadership of Parliament to invite the Foreign Minister to appear before the House as soon as possible.
Mr. Boamah noted that more than a month has passed since the issue emerged, yet Parliament has not received an official briefing from the Foreign Minister.
“We think it is about time that we put this issue out there and pile some pressure on him to appear before the House because it is a very important matter,” he added.
CREDIT: MAVIS FANTEVI, PRINCE KWAME KUDOGAH-PARLIAMENTARY CORRESPONDENT
