Ghanaian mechanics in South Africa refute claims of job displacement amid xenophobic attacks
via GhanaWeb5 min read
Ghanaian mechanics based in Johannesburg, South Africa, have challenged the narrative that foreign nationals are taking jobs from South Africans, amidst recent xenophobic attacks. In a video shared on X by Sika Official, the mechanics stated that the primary issue is a lack of willingness among locals to learn trades and work. One mechanic recounted offering to train young South Africans, only to be rejected. Another highlighted the efforts he made to work legally, obtaining necessary certificates despite already possessing the skills, but still facing discrimination. They asserted that they have not taken anyone's job and that without their skills, certain work would remain undone. This video emerged during a tense period, with Ghana's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, having summoned South Africa's envoy to address the harassment of immigrants. South Africa's unemployment rate was 31.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025, with youth unemployment at 43.8%, figures that have contributed to anger directed at foreign nationals. The South African police ministry has condemned the attacks, calling them unlawful and contrary to the nation's democratic values.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
President John Dramani Mahama visited the Nsawam Medium Security Prison on Saturday, April 25, 2026, where he was met with cheers and excitement from inmates. The visit was part of a religious outreach organized by the Men’s Fellowship of the Assemblies of God Church, aimed at engaging inmates through worship and encouragement. Social media videos show inmates enthusiastically welcoming President Mahama upon his arrival. The event brought together inmates and church members for reflection, prayer, and spiritual upliftment, supporting rehabilitation and reintegration efforts within Ghana’s prison system. President Mahama’s presence was seen as a morale boost for the inmates. The Nsawam facility, a major correctional center, has hosted various outreach programs involving religious groups and public figures to improve inmate welfare and promote reform. The visit highlights the role of faith-based organizations in supporting inmates, offering hope and guidance during their sentences and in preparation for life after incarceration.
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that 1,000 prison inmates will receive amnesty on Republic Day, July 1, 2026. This initiative, disclosed during a visit to the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, aligns with his constitutional mandate to exercise the prerogative of mercy. This follows a similar action in 2025 when 998 prisoners were granted amnesty. The annual clemency aims to decongest prisons and provide a second chance for selected inmates to reintegrate into society.
Must ReadThe Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has suggested exemptions for key public institutions from Clause 11 of the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill currently before Parliament. Dr Ayine advocated for certain state bodies, particularly those involved in healthcare delivery and human rights protection, to be exempt from specific provisions of the bill. This proposal aims to ensure that institutions like health facilities and human rights organizations can continue their duties without legal constraints that might hinder access to essential services or the protection of fundamental rights. Clause 11 of the bill outlines restrictions that could affect institutions perceived to be promoting or supporting LGBTQI-related activities. Dr Ayine's suggestion seeks to balance the legislation's intent with the need to safeguard critical public services, adding a new dimension to the ongoing national debate on human rights, public health, and legal interpretation.
Must ReadAn old video has resurfaced showing Christina Koch, a mission specialist on NASA's Artemis II mission, discussing her study abroad program at the University of Ghana in 2009. Koch described this experience as one of the most impactful and perspective-gaining of her life, comparable to her space travel. The program, offered through her school, NC State, left a lasting impression on her. Koch was part of the four-member crew on the Artemis II mission, a 10-day spaceflight around the Moon, and was the only woman on board the Orion spacecraft during the mission. In 2019, while on the International Space Station, she shared images of Ghana from space and spoke about her connection to the country, highlighting its beauty and the influence her time there had on her outlook.