Ghanaian national in South Africa to be relocated after xenophobic attack
via GhanaWeb1 min read
The Ghanaian government has initiated efforts to relocate Emmanuel Asamoah, a Ghanaian national residing in South Africa, following what authorities have described as a xenophobic attack. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced on X that Asamoah was subjected to an “unwarranted xenophobic attack from a fringe vigilante group.” The minister confirmed that the government has engaged with Asamoah and is taking steps to ensure his safety, stating, “We are taking him out of South Africa.” Ablakwa also mentioned he had spoken directly with Asamoah, who is in good condition despite ongoing threats. The Minister commended the South African authorities, specifically the Minister for Police, Prof Firoz Cachalia, for their response. The Ghanaian government reiterated its commitment to protecting its citizens globally, emphasizing that no Ghanaian will be left in harm’s way. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about xenophobic attacks in South Africa, even as both governments aim to strengthen bilateral relations.
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Must ReadDeputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, has commented on the extradition of former MASLOC Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, to Ghana. In a video shared by JoyNews on Facebook on June 9, 2026, Dr. Srem-Sai responded to questions regarding the extradition, stating, "I'm not sure about that," when asked if he was excited. Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu was extradited from the United States to Ghana on June 9, 2026, to begin a 10-year prison sentence. She was convicted in absentia in 2024 on over 70 charges, including stealing, willfully causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering. These offenses resulted in nearly GH₵90 million in losses during her tenure as MASLOC CEO between 2013 and 2016. She was arrested in Nevada in January 2026, and her transfer was approved by the US Secretary of State after a US court certified Ghana’s request. Sedina arrived in Accra under heavy security, reportedly in a wheelchair and showing signs of ill health. This extradition is Ghana’s first from the US since 2009 and has been recognized by the US Embassy as evidence of strong law enforcement cooperation.
Ghana's Attorney General is scheduled to meet with the United States Department of Justice to discuss pending extradition requests between the two countries. This development follows the recent extradition of Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu from the US to Ghana. Ms. Tamakloe-Attionu was convicted and sentenced in absentia by a Ghanaian High Court in April 2024. Ghana submitted an extradition request in July 2024, and US authorities notified the Ghanaian government of her surrender in January of this year. She arrived in Accra on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, and is now in the custody of the Ghana Police Service and Ghana Prisons Service to begin her sentence. Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed these events, noting that the upcoming meeting will address other extradition matters. There are also public calls for the extradition of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to account for his tenure.
Following the extradition of Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, a former MASLOC CEO convicted on over 70 corruption charges, social media users have praised the US Embassy in Ghana for its law enforcement cooperation. Many see this as a message that justice has no borders and that there is no safe haven for those who loot public funds. However, a dominant question among X users concerns the whereabouts of former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta. While applauding the government and the US Embassy for bringing Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu back to serve her 10-year sentence, thousands are calling for the same urgency to secure the return of Ken Ofori-Atta so he can also face accountability in Ghana. Users specifically mentioned the MSL deal and expressed hope that the law would continue to take its course regarding the former finance minister, who they believe is still at large in the US.