Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it raised a formal protest with South Africa’s acting High Commissioner, Thando Dalamba, citing what it described as "acts of intimidation and harassment” targeting Ghanaians and other African nationals. The move follows the circulation of footage showing vigilante groups confronting individuals over their immigration status, including a Ghanaian man whose documents were questioned despite being valid.

"This conduct undermines the dignity and rights of law-abiding citizens,” the ministry said in a statement. Officials added they had met the man featured in the video and offered consular support.

In a separate diplomatic engagement, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa spoke with his South African counterpart Ronald Lamola, who pledged a full investigation into the incidents and expressed concern for affected individuals.

South African authorities also responded publicly. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia condemned the reported actions, stating that "no individual or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands.” His remarks come amid renewed anti-foreigner demonstrations reported in cities including Cape Town, Durban, and East London.

According to observers and local residents, some protests escalated into confrontations, with small groups moving through neighborhoods demanding identification documents from suspected migrants. A shop owner in Durban, speaking to Lamaane News Network on condition of attribution, said, "People are afraid. Even those with legal papers are being stopped and questioned in the streets.”

Regional concern has grown beyond Ghana. Nigerians in Diaspora Commission issued an advisory urging its citizens in South Africa to exercise caution after reports of looting, property damage, and injuries linked to the unrest.

South Africa hosts approximately 2.4 million documented migrants, representing just under 4% of its population, according to official data. Analysts note that economic pressures, including high unemployment, have contributed to periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the past decade.

Groups such as Operation Dudula have openly campaigned against undocumented migration, organizing demonstrations that critics say have fueled hostility toward foreign nationals.

Benjamin Quashie, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, met the affected individual and urged calm. "We understand the challenges, but we encourage our citizens to remain law-abiding and respect the rules of engagement,” he said.

The incident underscores ongoing diplomatic sensitivities between African states over migration and citizen safety, with governments balancing domestic pressures and regional cooperation commitments.