Chairman of the Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in South Africa, Mr. Benjamin Kofi Quashie, has called on Ghanaians residing in South Africa to continue upholding their strong reputation for being law-abiding, responsible citizens.
He also assured them that whoever is appointed as Ghana’s next High Commissioner to South Africa will be held accountable to serve the best interests of the Ghanaian community.
Speaking in an interview on South Africa-based online platform Ghasa Radio, Mr. Quashie praised the Ghanaian community for its positive image and cultural contribution to South African society, citing interactions with government officials who commended Ghanaians for their discipline and professionalism.
“Just last week, I was speaking with a South African deputy minister who said they love Ghanaians. He told me that in the Eastern Cape, there’s a whole community of Ghanaian professionals—teachers, doctors, lawyers—who have lived there for decades, contributing meaningfully to the society. He even learned a Ghanaian language growing up because of their presence,” Quashie recounted.
He used the opportunity to encourage Ghanaians across the provinces to remain law-abiding, noting that their conduct continues to bring pride to the country.
Touching on the pending appointment of Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa under the Mahama-led NDC government, Mr. Quashie stressed that the community’s interests will be a top priority.
“As we speak, we do not yet know who is going to occupy the position of High Commissioner, but what I can promise is that whoever is appointed will not come to sit and do business as usual,” he stated.
He added that the appointee will be expected to work within the framework of the NDC government’s manifesto and the tenets of Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deliver meaningful results for the Ghanaian diaspora.
“Whoever takes up the role must ensure that the Ghanaian community feels loved, feels protected, and gets the support they need. The position must come with pragmatic change, not ceremonial presence,” he stressed.
Mr. Quashie, who has been widely tipped by sections of the diaspora as a potential candidate for the High Commissioner role, was tight-lipped about the speculation but emphasized his commitment to ensuring strong and transparent leadership at the High Commission.
He also raised concerns about the current state of communication between the Ghanaian community and the High Commission.
“I recently reached out to the High Commission regarding a news report about someone allegedly arrested with multiple Ghanaian passports. I sent it to their public relations office asking for verification, but up to now, we haven’t received any clarity. That should not happen,” he lamented.
He criticized the Commission’s lack of responsiveness and the unavailability of an interactive website to engage with citizens effectively.
“If the High Commission won’t do its work proactively, we will find our own ways of getting answers. Ghanaians in South Africa deserve better, and under an NDC government, we will ensure that they get it,” he vowed.
The interview has sparked renewed interest and expectations within the Ghanaian community in South Africa as the Mahama administration prepares to announce new diplomatic appointments.
Source: Newstitbits.com