“We Started It”: Kwesi Pratt Says Ghana Has No Moral Right to Condemn South Africa’s Migrant Crackdown

Veteran journalist and Managing Editor of Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr., has stirred fresh debate over the growing tensions surrounding African migrants in South Africa, arguing that Ghana should be careful about criticising the country because of its own history of expelling foreign nationals.

Speaking on Radio Gold on Sunday, July 5, Pratt said Ghana cannot claim the moral high ground when discussing xenophobia and anti-migrant actions in South Africa.

Pratt revealed that he had just returned from a four-day visit to Bela-Bela in South Africa's Limpopo Province after travelling through Johannesburg. According to him, his trip was smooth, with no harassment or unnecessary passport checks.

However, he acknowledged that many Ghanaians living in South Africa remain worried about the current atmosphere.

He recounted conversations with fellow Ghanaian travellers, including one who decided to remain in Ghana for a few weeks after June 30 to assess the situation before returning to South Africa. Another Ghanaian, who had spent eight months unsuccessfully searching for work, chose to return home permanently because the risks outweighed the opportunities. Pratt noted that the man was unable to pay for his flight, with relatives covering the cost.

While recognising the fears facing migrants, Pratt insisted that Ghana should not be quick to condemn South Africa.

According to him, Ghana has its own painful history of targeting foreign nationals. He referenced the 1969 Aliens Compliance Order introduced under the administration of Prime Minister ****, which led to the expulsion of hundreds of thousands of foreigners, many of them West Africans.

Pratt claimed that many Nigerians lost their lives during the period, while numerous Togolese residents were reportedly assaulted and forced to leave their homes.

His remarks have reignited discussions about migration, xenophobia, and historical accountability across Africa. They also raise broader questions about whether African countries should first confront their own past before criticising similar actions elsewhere, while continuing to work collectively to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of migrants across the continent.

What do you think? Should Ghana's historical experience shape how it responds to South Africa's migrant policies today? Share your views in the comments and follow for more credible news and in-depth analysis.