“Xenophobia Is Real, We’re Not Wanted” – Ghanaian Man Speaks After 20 Years Living in South Africa

A Ghanaian who has lived in South Africa for two decades has described xenophobia as a real and persistent challenge, even though he says he has personally not been a victim of direct attacks.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Citi FM on Saturday, April 24, Abdul Karim Mohammed said negative attitudes toward foreign nationals, particularly black Africans, remain widespread in parts of South Africa.

“Xenophobia is fully true. South Africans, especially in Southern Africa, don’t like black Africans. Personally, I haven’t had such encounters,” he said.

Despite his personal experience, Mohammed suggested that the broader climate reflects deep-seated resentment toward outsiders. He further alleged that some  political leaders openly express anti-foreigner sentiments, claiming that the country’s current sports minister has publicly called for foreigners to return to their home countries.

According to him, such rhetoric contributes to a hostile environment and risks encouraging exclusion. He, however, noted that the issue goes beyond individual figures, pointing to what he described as systemic challenges.

“I won’t blame him alone. I think the system itself—they just want to push us away,” he added.

His comments come at a time of renewed concern over xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians and other African nationals in South Africa.

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has already responded to the situation, assuring that the government will not relent in protecting the rights and dignity of Ghanaians abroad.

Speaking in an interview on TV3 Ghana, he stressed that safeguarding citizens remains a core responsibility of the ministry and that no Ghanaian would be left without support.

He warned that xenophobic violence not only endangers lives but also undermines pan-African unity, emphasising that protecting citizens across borders is essential to the continent’s collective progress.