The Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Eric Adjei, has called on the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Armah Kofi Buah, not to renew the mining lease of Gold Fields at Tarkwa, amid growing concern over reported xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians in South Africa.

Reacting to reports of Ghanaians returning home from South Africa, Mr. Adjei expressed support for affected citizens but argued that Ghana must prioritise local companies over foreign-owned firms.

“To the Ghanaians coming home because of the xenophobic racism, we love you all,” he wrote on X.

He added: “But to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources: please do not renew the mining lease for Gold Fields Tarkwa. We are hearing that it is a South African company. We need local companies to work for us as citizens.”

His comments come as the Ghanaian government intensifies diplomatic and evacuation efforts following disturbing videos and reports of xenophobic attacks circulating online.

Earlier, the Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced that government had put together a support package for Ghanaians returning home from South Africa. He noted that returnees would be received with dignity and assisted in reintegrating into society.

The evacuation process, which was initially expected to begin on May 21, was delayed after authorities recorded a higher-than-anticipated number of Ghanaians seeking repatriation.

South Africa has experienced repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the years, with foreign African nationals often targeted during periods of economic frustration and social tension.

Migrants from countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Somalia, and Ethiopia have previously faced attacks, looting, threats, and anti-foreigner demonstrations in parts of the country.