The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has appealed to Ghanaians not to react emotionally to recent tensions involving Ghanaian migrants in South Africa, warning that retaliatory actions could worsen divisions across the continent.

The call comes amid growing public anger over reports of anti immigrant hostility and rising fears among some African migrants living in South Africa. In recent days, concerns have intensified following evacuation and repatriation efforts involving Ghanaian nationals returning home from South Africa.

Speaking to Citi News, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, urged citizens to remain calm and avoid targeting South African businesses or nationals living in Ghana.

According to him, emotional reactions could damage African unity and peaceful coexistence at a time when cooperation between countries remains important.

“I believe that Ghanaians who have been repatriated, and indeed all Africans, should see this as a misunderstanding by some people in South Africa,” he stated.

Bishops Warn Against Retaliatory Actions

The Catholic Bishops stressed that responding to tensions with anger or revenge could deepen divisions and create wider diplomatic and social problems across Africa.

Recent social media discussions in Ghana have included calls from some citizens for retaliatory measures against South African owned businesses operating locally. However, religious leaders say such reactions risk escalating hostility instead of promoting solutions.

The Bishops encouraged Ghanaians to distinguish between isolated incidents involving certain groups and the broader relationship between Ghana and South Africa.

According to the Conference, Africa’s future depends on solidarity, tolerance, and peaceful engagement among nations.

Ghanaian Returnees Share Fear and Anxiety

The tensions have become more visible following reports that hundreds of Ghanaians have voluntarily returned home from South Africa because of safety concerns linked to anti immigrant demonstrations and hostility toward foreign nationals.

Some returnees have described living conditions marked by fear and uncertainty.

One evacuee, Dillys Edem, told Citi News that she constantly felt unsafe during her stay in South Africa and often restricted her movements because of fear of attacks or harassment.

“I was always afraid,” she said while expressing relief after returning to Ghana.

The Ghanaian government has also stepped up diplomatic engagement over the issue. Earlier this year, Ghana summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner following reports of intimidation and threats targeting foreign nationals, including Ghanaians.

Religious Leaders Promote Peace and African Unity

The intervention by the Catholic Bishops reflects broader concerns among faith leaders about growing anti immigrant rhetoric and xenophobic tensions within parts of Africa.

Catholic leaders in Southern Africa have similarly condemned violence against migrants and urged political leaders not to exploit immigration tensions for political gain.

Observers say the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has consistently positioned itself as a voice for national peace, moral dialogue, and social stability on major public issues.

Analysts also note that Ghana and South Africa share long historical and diplomatic ties dating back to the anti apartheid struggle and broader Pan African cooperation.

For many citizens, the latest tensions represent a sensitive issue because both countries remain influential economic and political players on the continent.

Calls for Diplomacy Instead of Division

Political observers believe the Bishops’ comments are aimed at preventing emotional public reactions from escalating into diplomatic or economic confrontations.

Although frustrations remain high among some Ghanaians, analysts say maintaining calm dialogue and diplomatic engagement may help both countries address concerns without damaging bilateral relations.

Many African leaders and civil society organizations continue to emphasize that xenophobia and anti immigrant violence threaten regional integration efforts under initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.

As discussions continue, religious leaders are urging Africans to prioritize unity, compassion, and peaceful coexistence instead of division and hostility.

For now, attention remains focused on how both Ghanaian and South African authorities will manage the tensions while protecting the safety and rights of citizens and migrants alike.