Ghana has officially requested that the African Union (AU) prioritise the issue of recurring xenophobic attacks on African nationals in South Africa at its upcoming Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting. In a letter dated May 6, 2026, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa addressed this urgent matter to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa. The meeting is scheduled to take place in El Alamein, Egypt, from June 24 to June 27, 2026.
In the letter, the Ghanaian government expressed profound concern over the ongoing xenophobic incidents in South Africa, highlighting that these attacks have led to loss of life, destruction of businesses, and significant threats to the safety and well-being of numerous African nationals residing in the country. The letter denounced the persistence of xenophobic violence and stated, “It is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years.”
Ghana’s government further argued that such attacks undermine the principles of African solidarity and brotherhood, which are core tenets of the AU and the broader Pan-African movement. The letter asserts that these actions not only violate the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights but also contradict the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to facilitate free movement and reduce barriers among African nations.
As part of its proposals, Ghana has requested that the AU enhance its monitoring mechanisms to ensure that member states adhere to their commitments under both the AU Constitutive Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Additionally, the Ghanaian government called for the establishment of a fact-finding mission to investigate the root causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa and to recommend suitable interventions to the AU.
Moreover, Ghana proposed the implementation of dialogue and reconciliation initiatives designed to promote tolerance, inclusion, integration, and a renewed commitment to continental unity among African peoples. The letter encapsulated the importance of building a future for Africa based on shared dignity, prosperity, and mutual respect, despite the continent’s historical challenges of slavery, colonialism, and apartheid.
Citing the vision of Ghana’s first President and renowned Pan-Africanist, Kwame Nkrumah, the government underscored that Africa’s complete emancipation and potential can only be achieved through unity and the assurance that no African is dehumanised on African soil.
This petition by Ghana signals a critical moment in the ongoing dialogue surrounding human rights and safety for all Africans, urging the AU to take decisive action against xenophobia and foster a culture of unity across the continent.
By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang
