South Africa's Problems Run Deeper Than Xenophobia, Says Dr Yamson
Dr Ishmael Yamson, a prominent Ghanaian economist and Board Chairman of MTN Ghana, has expressed deep concern over the xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa. He was speaking on Joy News' PM Express on Tuesday.
State Failure Behind South Africa's Economic Difficulties
Dr Yamson blamed state failure for South Africa's economic difficulties, saying the country's problems will persist even if all foreigners leave. He argued that the decision to blame immigrants for economic challenges was misplaced, warning that the approach could undermine efforts to deepen African integration and trade.
Dr Yamson said he had personally raised concerns about the issue during a recent visit to South Africa, where he spoke on African integration and immigration. He minced no words, telling the South Africans that their problems would still remain even if all foreigners were to leave. "It's a matter of state failure," he said.
Ghana's Experience in Supporting African Liberation Movements
Dr Yamson recalled Ghana's role in supporting liberation movements across Africa, particularly during the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. He said Ghana provided support and training for freedom fighters from several African countries, including South Africa. "When I was growing up, the area from the new Foreign Affairs in Accra, all the way down to now Village, was called Freedom Fighters Village," he said.
Dr Yamson said Ghana also provided technical support to South Africa after apartheid, citing the experience of Unilever as an example. "For instance, the highest trained person in Unilever South Africa was a supervisor. So, we had to send people from here, Unilever Ghana, to go and help them in South Africa," he said.
A Contradiction in Africa's Push for Deeper Economic Integration
Dr Yamson warned that the attacks also expose a contradiction in Africa's push for deeper economic integration. He questioned how the continent could achieve meaningful trade integration while restricting the movement of people. "And at the same time, you are talking about African Free Trade Continental whatever, whatever area. So, the trade will come with what, horses and ships?" he asked.
"How do you trade without people? You cannot trade without people. You want the trade, but you don't want the people who bring the trade," Dr Yamson said. He emphasized that the attacks were deeply troubling and a big worry to many people, including Ghanaians and the government of Ghana.
Ghana's Decent Handling of Immigration Concerns
Dr Yamson criticized the use of violence to force African migrants out of South Africa, contrasting it with Ghana's handling of immigration concerns. He said Ghana was decent enough to give foreigners time to either regularise their stay or leave. "Here, you have mobs and hooligans, people you call yourself call criminals, chasing Ghanaians and Nigerians and Zimbabweans and Ugandans, and and and violently to send them away. No, it's bad," he said.
Dr Yamson's comments come at a time when tensions between South Africa and other African countries are running high. The xenophobic attacks have sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from across the continent. As Africa pushes for deeper economic integration, the attacks highlight the need for greater understanding and cooperation between nations.
Source: Joy Online
