Pressure group Arise Ghana has called for a tougher response by the government to recurring xenophobic attacks against Ghanaians in South Africa, arguing that diplomatic efforts have failed to stop the violence.

Richard Kasu-Adzadu, secretary of Arise Ghana, said repeated attacks since 2008 point to systemic inaction and weak continental enforcement mechanisms.

“In my view, this continues because the African Union has failed to sanction South Africa, and we have been pampering them for far too long,” he said on the Asaase Breakfast Show ion Monday (1 June).

Kasu-Adzadu urged the Ghanaian government to adopt what he described as a “give-and-take” approach, including reviewing economic ties and rejecting the renewal of mining concessions held by South African firms.

“We are saying the Gold Fields concession should not be renewed. It should be given to indigenous Ghanaian companies so the benefits stay within the economy,” he said.

He also called for reciprocal measures if diplomatic norms are not respected.

“If South Africa does not respect diplomatic arrangements, there is no reason Ghana should continue to do so,” he said, adding that stronger actions were needed to protect Ghanaian lives and businesses.

However, the proposal raises questions about Ghana’s commitments to regional integration frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Kasu-Adzadu dismissed such concerns, arguing that the current crisis amounts to a breakdown in diplomacy.

“We are dealing with people being attacked and killed. At this point, we must use lawful mechanisms available to protect our citizens,” he said.

He maintained that Arise Ghana is not advocating violence but is pushing for firm, lawful responses to what he described as persistent abuses.