Nana Addo condems SA xenophobic attack: Prez. Mahama must act

• Posted on April 17, 2015April 17, 2015
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

New Patriotic Party [NPP]’s Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has condemned the killings of foreigners in South Africa by local gangs as xenophobic attacks in the country continue.

The violence, which broke out in Durban and surrounding townships, has spread to other parts of the country, including the economic capital Johannesburg.

Eight people including a Ghanaian have so far been confirmed dead in the new wave of attacks and foreign-owned shops looted in recent weeks.

Two weeks ago locals began attacking and looting properties owned by fellow Africans, in the wake of alleged comments by Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini telling migrants to go home – although he says he was mistranslated.

Nana Addo, in a statement, expressed his condolence to the bereaved family and called on President Mahama through Ghana’s mission in South Africa, come to the aid of its citizens.

Read below Nana Addo’s statement

AKUFO-ADDO CONDEMNS XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Over the past few days, I have 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.

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.

President Mahama, through Ghana’s High Commission in South Africa, must come to the aid of all Ghanaians who are in need of help.

……signed……

Nana Akufo-Addo

2016 NPP Presidential Candidate