By Lawrence Odoom/Phalonzy
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has issued an uncompromising assurance that government will relentlessly uphold the rights, dignity, and security of Ghanaians residing beyond the country’s borders.
His declaration comes amid disturbing reports of renewed xenophobic assaults targeting Ghanaians and other African nationals in South Africa , incidents that once again lay bare the enduring scourge of intolerance on the continent.
Speaking in a televised interview with TV3 Ghana, the Minister asserted that the protection of Ghanaians abroad constitutes a core, non-negotiable mandate of the Foreign Affairs Ministry , one the government is determined to execute with unwavering resolve.
He emphasized that no Ghanaian, irrespective of geographic location, will be abandoned or left vulnerable in the face of hostility.
“We have demonstrated that we will not compromise when it comes to protecting the rights of Ghanaians and ensuring that their dignity and humanity are preserved, and that is what the Foreign Ministry exists to do.
Every Ghanaian everywhere must have the confidence that when I am in harm’s way and in trouble, I will not be left alone and that my Foreign Ministry and government will stand up for me and fight for me and will seek to protect my interests and seek to preserve my rights and that is a very clear message we are sending out with very profound respect and we will continue to ensure that Ghanaians everywhere are treated with respect.”
Hon. Ablakwa further underscored that defending citizens across borders is not merely a diplomatic courtesy but an imperative for Africa’s collective advancement.
He cautioned that xenophobic violence not only imperils lives but also corrodes the bedrock of pan-African solidarity and the historic fraternal bonds that unite nations across the continent.