Ghana High Commission warns nationals in South Africa over planned protests

The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has issued an urgent security advisory to Ghanaian nationals living in Johannesburg and Durban following reports of planned demonstrations. The notice, released on October 10, urges citizens to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant, as these protests are expected to cause significant disruptions across the central business districts of South Africa's two largest cities. The mission emphasized that the safety of the Ghanaian community is paramount during this period of potential unrest.

In Johannesburg, the High Commission specifically identified areas surrounding the Constitutional Court as primary locations for the anticipated gatherings. The advisory warned that these demonstrations could lead to heavy traffic congestion, disruptions to public services, and potential confrontations between protesters and law enforcement agencies. Consequently, Ghanaians are strongly advised to avoid known protest sites and limit non-essential travel to and from the affected metropolitan areas until the situation stabilizes. The mission also suggested the use of alternative routes to bypass areas where crowds are expected to gather.

To ensure their continued safety, the High Commission has called on all nationals to monitor local news reports and strictly adhere to updates and instructions provided by South African security authorities. Ghanaians are further encouraged to remain calm, comply with all local laws, and maintain open lines of communication with the mission. Nationals have been specifically instructed to report any incidents of violence, intimidation, or emergencies to the relevant authorities and the High Commission. This proactive advisory is part of the mission's routine efforts to safeguard the interests and well-being of the Ghanaian diaspora during periods of civil activity in host countries.