The South African government has committed to intensifying efforts to stop xenophobic attacks after Ghana formally raised concerns about violence against its citizens living in the country.

According to Reuters, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, summoned South Africa’s envoy to demand urgent intervention following videos showing foreign nationals being harassed and threatened. The incidents, widely shared on social media, have heightened tensions between the two countries.

South Africa’s authorities responded by warning that anyone involved in attacks or inciting violence against migrants will face arrest and prosecution. The country’s Police Ministry stated that law enforcement agencies are working to identify perpetrators and ensure they are brought before the courts, Reuters reported.

Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, condemned the acts, stressing that violence against foreign nationals undermines the country’s constitutional values. He said such behaviour has no place in a democratic society and poses a threat to social stability.

The concern follows a reported incident in KwaZulu-Natal, where a Ghanaian national was allegedly confronted and ordered to leave the country while being asked to prove his legal status. Ghana’s government described the incident as troubling and called for measures to prevent further escalation.

Human rights groups have long argued that migrants in South Africa are often blamed for economic challenges such as unemployment and crime. These tensions have, at times, resulted in outbreaks of violence targeting foreign communities.

Authorities have now urged community leaders and civil society organisations to play an active role in promoting dialogue and preventing further attacks. The government maintains that restoring calm and protecting all residents, regardless of nationality, remains a priority.

The latest developments highlight ongoing challenges in addressing xenophobia in South Africa, an issue that has periodically strained relations with other African countries.