The ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa where a Ghanaian is reported to have lost his life is “sickening and despicable”, according to the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Nana Akufo-Addo in a statement to condemn the brutalities said he received the news with “shock” and called on the Ghana mission in South Africa to be “a lot more helpful with the flow of information” about the fate of Ghanaians in the Rainbow Nation.

“Over the past few days, I have learnt with utmost shock about the sickening and despicable acts of appalling brutality being perpetrated by local mobs in some parts of South Africa against immigrants, mainly black Africans and their businesses,” Nana Addo stated.

He added: “I condemn in the strongest terms these acts of persecution, which have so far, according to reports, claimed the lives of at least six people, including a 14-year-old boy. There are also unconfirmed reports of a Ghanaian being among the dead. We expect Ghana's mission in South Africa to be a lot more helpful with the flow of information for Ghanaians worried about the fate of our compatriots in South Africa.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all those killed in these unacceptable attacks. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured and the displaced.”

“I know at firsthand the extraordinary warmth and decency of the people of South Africa, the vast majority of whom are against acts that seek to violate the right to life of others. To this end, I respectfully urge President Jacob Zuma to do all in his power to ensure that these attacks end, as well as bring to book all persons responsible for this wave of violence,” the three-time presidential candidate of the main opposition party in Ghana pointed out.

“President Mahama, through Ghana's High Commission in South Africa, must come to the aid of all Ghanaians who are in need of help.”