Ghana issues precautionary advisory to citizens in Pretoria amid amid anti-immigrant protest

The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has urged Ghanaian nationals to close their businesses and remain indoors on Tuesday, following intelligence about a planned protest in South Africa’s administrative capital.

The advisory, issued on April 28, 2026, warned citizens to avoid the vicinity of the Union Buildings, where a demonstration organised by the “March Organisation” is expected to take place. The group, identified by local media as the March and March movement and led by Ms Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, is demanding the removal of undocumented foreign nationals.

The Pretoria march is part of a broader wave of anti-immigrant actions across Gauteng Province scheduled between April 27 and 29. It follows weeks of similar protests in Durban, where groups including March and March, Operation Dudula and Amabhinca Nation conducted what they termed “clean-up exercises”. During those incidents, several foreign-owned shops were forced to close over fears of looting and physical attacks.

Social media reports indicate that some Ghanaian nationals may have already been affected. In one widely circulated video, a man believed to be Ghanaian was assaulted after failing to produce identification documents. Another clip showed a self-identified Ghanaian being confronted by protesters and ordered to leave the country.

These developments prompted diplomatic intervention. Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has since contacted his South African counterpart, Mr Ronald Lamola, and summoned South Africa’s envoy in Accra for discussions.

The High Commission’s advisory strongly encouraged shop owners to close for the day, avoid protest zones, and refrain from public gatherings that could escalate into confrontation. Citizens were also urged to exercise restraint on social media and avoid sharing inflammatory content.

Nigeria has issued a similar advisory to its nationals in South Africa, urging them to remain vigilant and follow updates from local media.

The Ghana High Commission said it would continue monitoring the situation and provide further updates as necessary.