Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, has announced that Ghana will pursue compensation for any
Ghanaian-owned businesses that have been unlawfully seized amid the ongoing xenophobic tensions in South Africa.
According to Quashie, the Ghanaian government is currently documenting businesses owned by Ghanaian citizens and preparing legal and diplomatic measures to protect their investments.
“We will insist on realistic compensation if South African authorities or local actors interfere with legally owned Ghanaian businesses,” he stated.
He also warned that if disputes remain unresolved, Ghana is prepared to take the matter to the courts of competent jurisdiction.
In addition, he said the issue could be escalated to the African Union for broader continental attention.
The announcement has brought some relief to Ghanaian business owners in South Africa who have lost property and livelihoods during the recent attacks.