The Government of Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union Commission to place the issue of xenophobic attacks in South Africa on the agenda of the upcoming Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union scheduled for June 2026 in El Alamein.
In a letter dated May 6, 2026, signed by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the government expressed deep concern over recurring xenophobic incidents targeting African nationals living in South Africa.
The letter, addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, described the attacks as a threat to African solidarity, continental unity, and regional integration efforts.
According to the document, the Government of Ghana said the violent incidents have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of investments, and growing insecurity among African migrants residing in South Africa.
“It is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years,” the letter stated, adding that the development is concerning given the support African states offered South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle.
The government further argued that the attacks undermine the spirit of Pan-Africanism and contradict the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to promote free movement, economic integration, and continental cooperation.
Ghana is requesting the African Union to adopt several measures, including placing the matter on the official agenda of the June summit, strengthening AU monitoring mechanisms, establishing a fact-finding mission into the causes of the violence, and facilitating dialogue and reconciliation initiatives across the continent.
The letter also stressed that while Ghana respects South Africa’s sovereignty and its responsibility to protect all persons within its territory, the continued targeting of African nationals presents a challenge to the principles of African brotherhood and unity.
Referencing Ghana’s first President and Pan-Africanist, Kwame Nkrumah, the government reaffirmed its belief that Africa’s future depends on unity, mutual respect, and collective dignity.
The petition comes amid renewed tensions and reports of attacks against foreign African nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting concern among several governments across the continent.
Story By: Eric Boateng
