By Ashiadey Dotse
Entrepreneur Prince Ntiamoah Boampong has urged South Africans to focus on addressing their internal social and economic challenges instead of directing frustrations at foreign nationals, as the Government of Ghana moves to evacuate Ghanaians living in South Africa following renewed xenophobic concerns.
Speaking on GTV’s Breakfast Show on Monday, May 25, 2026, Mr Boampong said attacks on foreign nationals will not resolve the country’s long-standing structural and economic problems, but will instead damage investor confidence and weaken regional unity.
He said South Africa’s current tensions are largely rooted in the historical effects of apartheid, which left many citizens without adequate access to education, economic opportunities, land ownership and social empowerment.
“The situation is very complicated, and it is high time they sat down to restructure their society and rethink how the South African problem is approached,” he said.
Mr Boampong explained that the transition to democracy did not fully translate into broad economic empowerment, leaving behind frustrations that continue to affect communities.
He argued that foreign nationals from countries such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique and others across Africa have become easy targets for people who feel excluded from economic opportunities.
“The problem is not foreigners. The problem is the systems and mindset that have discouraged people from taking initiative and pursuing opportunities,” he stated.
He noted that similar incidents occurred in 2015 and warned that a recurrence could further damage South Africa’s international reputation and reduce investor confidence.
Mr Boampong stressed that African economies are increasingly interconnected, making hostility towards migrants harmful to the continent’s broader development agenda.
He added that foreigners contribute significantly to local economies across Africa and cited examples in Ghana where foreign-owned businesses operate legally and support economic activity.
“The continent is woven together. People should solve their problems and not attack others because of their own inefficiencies,” he said.
He also said that success in modern economies depends on individuals’ willingness to take advantage of available opportunities, regardless of nationality.
Reflecting on his experiences in South Africa, he said many migrants work hard, comply with regulations and build legitimate businesses, yet still face hostility.
He described the situation as a systemic failure that should be addressed internally rather than through attacks on foreigners.
Speaking on the timing of the recent tensions, he expressed concern that such incidents were occurring at a time when Africa should be promoting unity and cooperation.
“Today is Africa Day, yet Africans are attacking fellow Africans. People set up businesses legally and are still attacked for that. That should not happen,” he said.
His comments come as Ghanaian authorities continue efforts to ensure the safety of citizens living in South Africa amid renewed concerns over xenophobic violence.
