A Ghanaian Researcher says the repatriation of hundreds of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa should serve as a wake-up call for Ghana to address unemployment and economic challenges at home.
Mr Moro, a researcher and governance analyst, made the remarks during an interview on Dreamz FM’s Breakfast Today program while discussing Ghana’s evacuation of citizens following attacks on undocumented migrants in South Africa.
“Ghana itself, we have our own problems,” Mr Moro said. “And until we fix them, we would have to swallow this bitter pill.”
The Ghanaian government recently facilitated the return of about 300 nationals from South Africa after tensions escalated between local residents and foreign nationals accused of working without proper permits.
Mr Moro said many migrants leave Ghana because of limited opportunities, but warned that undocumented migration often exposes people to exploitation and deportation.
He defended South Africa’s right to enforce its immigration laws, arguing that undocumented migrants should not expect immunity from removal.
“If your permit there does not allow you to work and earn money, you should not do that,” he said.
At the same time, Mr Moro criticized the violence associated with the anti-foreigner protests and said governments should rely on diplomatic and lawful processes instead of intimidation and attacks.
He also questioned whether Ghana should bear the financial burden of deportations, suggesting that countries requesting removals should handle associated costs.
“If South Africa feels there are Ghanaians they want to deport, that should be done at the cost of the South African government and not at the cost of the Ghanaian government,” he said.
Mr Moro said Ghana must use the incident as motivation to improve economic conditions and create jobs for citizens returning home.
“You should find a strategic way of reintegrating them,” he said. “Just bringing them to Ghana and leaving it as such means we would have done nothing.”
South Africa has faced repeated outbreaks of anti-immigrant sentiment over the years, often driven by economic pressures and high unemployment rates.
