We Want to Develop Our Country Too – Protesters Demand South African Businesses Exit Ghana Over Xenophobic Attacks

Angry Ghanaian youth on Thursday staged a peaceful protest in Accra to condemn the growing xenophobic attacks against African nationals, particularly Ghanaians living in South Africa.

The peace walk began at Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle and moved through some principal streets of the capital before ending at the Jubilee House, where demonstrators presented a petition to the Presidency.

Speaking after submitting the petition, the convener of the protest, Nana Otu-Darko, challenged South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to ensure the arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators behind the attacks if he genuinely opposes the violence.

According to him, Ghanaians have every reason to retaliate against South African interests in Ghana but have chosen the path of peace and dialogue.
“We are a civilized people. We believe in dialogue and peaceful engagement, not physical assault and brutality,” he said.
Otu-Darko reminded South Africans of the immense sacrifices made by several African countries, particularly Ghana, in supporting the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.
“All Africa expected was gratitude and brotherhood, not these ungrateful and wicked xenophobic attacks on fellow Africans,” he stated.
Quoting former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, he added: “An eye for an eye will lead to a nation full of blind people.”

Also addressing the gathering, Apostle Abraham Lincoln Larbi called for South African businesses operating in Ghana to leave the country peacefully, arguing that Ghanaians also deserve the opportunity to develop their own economy.
He specifically mentioned companies such as MTN Ghana, Shoprite and Gold Fields Ghana Limited, and urged the government not to renew Gold Fields’ operational licence when it expires in 2027.
“We also want to develop our country,” Apostle Larbi declared.
Despite the strong rhetoric, the speakers assured South African nationals residing in Ghana that they had nothing to fear, emphasizing that the protest was not a call for violence.

The demonstrators maintained that their objective was to demand justice for victims of xenophobic attacks and to push South African authorities to take decisive action against those responsible. The petition was received by Nana Yaa Jantuah at the Presidency. She assured the protesters of the government swift response to this call as proactive measures are already in effect to remedy the situation