Akufo-Addo condemns “sickening and despicable” South Africa xenophobic attacks
The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, has condemned the wave of xenophobic attacks that have rocked South Africa, leading to the loss of at least five African lives, including that of a Ghanaian.
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In a statement released Friday, Akufo-Addo said he had learnt with “utmost shock about the sickening and despicable acts of appalling brutality being perpetrated by local mobs in some parts of South Africa against immigrants, mainly black Africans and their businesses”.
Akufo-Addo said: He added: “I condemn in the strongest terms these acts of persecution, which have so far, according to reports, claimed the lives of at least six people, including a 14-year old boy. There are also unconfirmed reports of a Ghanaian being among the dead. We expect Ghana's mission in South Africa to be a lot more helpful with the flow of information for Ghanaians worried about the fate of our compatriots in South Africa.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all those killed in these unacceptable attacks. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured and the displaced.”
“I know at firsthand the extraordinary warmth and decency of the people of South Africa, the vast majority of whom are against acts that seek to violate the right to life of others. To this end, I respectfully urge President Jacob Zuma to do all in his power to ensure that these attacks end, as well as bring to book all persons responsible for this wave of violence,” the three-time presidential candidate of the main opposition party in Ghana pointed out.
“President Mahama, through Ghana's High Commission in South Africa, must come to the aid of all Ghanaians who are in need of help.”
The xenophobic attacks against Africans have killed at least five people.
Many jobless South Africans, who accuse foreigners of taking their jobs, are attacking Africans and chasing many of them out of their homes.
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The attacks have also been condemned by South Africa President, Jacob Zuma, who has described them as "shocking".
"No amount of frustration or anger can justify the attacks on foreign nationals and the looting of their shops," he told parliament on Thursday.