Professor Vladimir Antwi-Danso, an international relations and security expert, has urged Ghana and other African countries not to boycott South African goods and services. He stated that such economic retaliation is not the solution to recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Professor Antwi-Danso, a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), believes this action would be counterproductive.
He explained that while the attacks against foreign nationals are deeply concerning, diplomatic channels have not been fully explored. Engaging in economic retaliation now could undermine ongoing efforts to resolve the situation. The expert emphasized that Ghanaian authorities should first exhaust all available diplomatic tools to engage with South African officials regarding the recurring anti-immigrant sentiments.
This stance comes amid renewed discussions on how African governments should respond to the anti-immigration protests. These protests have created fear among migrant communities, including Ghanaians, Nigerians, and Zimbabweans. Several foreign missions, including Ghana's High Commission in Pretoria, have issued safety advisories. These advisories urge citizens to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary movement.
Professor Antwi-Danso shared his views on JoyNews' The Pulse program on July 2, 2026. He stated, "I wouldn't recommend it at all. We haven't reached a point where we need to use other tools in the diplomatic box to force South Africa to listen to us." He highlighted that the current unrest is not specifically targeting Ghanaians. Instead, it affects various African citizens. This broad impact necessitates a careful and well-studied response.
He warned against emotionally driven decisions, noting that hasty actions could cause more harm than good. Professor Antwi-Danso used an analogy: "If you have a fly on your sore, you don't take a sledgehammer and try to kill the fly. You may hurt yourself." This illustrates the potential for self-inflicted damage from ill-considered responses.
The expert called for consistent diplomatic engagement. This includes working through bilateral agreements and continental bodies like the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Such efforts aim to address the root causes of xenophobic violence. They also seek to protect the rights and safety of African migrants. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ghana High Commission continue to monitor the welfare of Ghanaians in South Africa. They maintain close contact with South African authorities to safeguard lives and property.
Ghana’s economic relationship with South Africa, while strong, could be harmed by a boycott. This could affect trade flows and Ghanaian businesses operating in South Africa. The caution against boycotts suggests a strategic focus on long-term stability and diplomatic resolution. This approach protects both economic interests and the safety of citizens abroad. The government's continued monitoring helps ensure the safety of Ghanaian nationals amidst the evolving situation.