Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union (AU) to place the recurring xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa on the agenda of the upcoming Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the continental body.
The request was made in a letter dated May 6, 2026, by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa.
In the strongly worded communication, Ghana expressed deep concern over the repeated attacks on African migrants in South Africa, describing the incidents as a threat to continental unity, African solidarity, and regional integration.
“The Government of Ghana remains deeply concerned by the recurrence of xenophobic incidents in the Republic of South Africa, which have regrettably resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of investment and continue to pose a serious risk to the safety and well-being of many African nationals residing in South Africa,” portions of the letter stated.
The Ghanaian government noted that the continued violence against fellow Africans contradicts the spirit of Pan-Africanism and undermines decades of solidarity shown to South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle.
“It is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years,” the letter added.
According to Ghana, the attacks violate key African Union principles and threaten the vision of a united continent under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The government argued that the recurring attacks constitute a clear violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which South Africa is a signatory. Ghana further stressed that such incidents undermine the spirit of African integration and Pan-Africanism, which seek to build a united, prosperous and peaceful continent. The letter also warned that the violence runs contrary to the objectives of the AfCFTA, which is designed to promote free movement, reduce barriers and strengthen economic cooperation among African nations.
As part of its proposals to the AU, Ghana urged the continental body to formally place the matter on the agenda of the June 2026 summit scheduled for El Alamein, Egypt. The government also called for stronger African Union monitoring mechanisms to ensure member states uphold their obligations under the AU Constitutive Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. In addition, Ghana proposed the establishment of a fact-finding mission to investigate the root causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa and recommend appropriate interventions. The country further appealed for dialogue and reconciliation initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance, inclusion, integration and renewed commitment to continental unity among African peoples.
“The Government of Ghana firmly believes that, notwithstanding the painful legacy of slavery, colonialism, and apartheid, Africa’s future is one of shared dignity, prosperity, and mutual respect,” the statement said.
Invoking the ideals of Ghana’s founding President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the letter concluded with a call for African unity and dignity.
“That aspiration begins with a collective resolve to ensure that no African is dehumanised on African soil.”
