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 contained in a letter dated May 6, 2026, signed by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa.
According to the letter, Ghana wants the issue discussed as a matter of urgent continental interest at the AU meeting scheduled for El Alamein from June 24 to June 27, 2026.
Also read: GES releases 2026/27 academic calendar; BECE set for May 2027
The government expressed deep concern over what it described as the persistent recurrence of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, noting that the incidents have led to loss of lives, destruction of investments, and threats to the safety and well-being of many African nationals living in the country.
“It is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years,” portions of the letter stated.
According to the petition, the attacks undermine the principles of African solidarity, brotherhood, and continental unity championed by the African Union and the Pan-African movement.
The government further argued that the attacks violate the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and contradict the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which seeks to promote free movement, reduce barriers, and foster a common African market.
As part of its proposals, Ghana called on the AU to strengthen its monitoring mechanisms to ensure member states comply with obligations under the AU Constitutive Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The government also proposed the establishment of a fact-finding mission to investigate the root causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa and recommend appropriate interventions to the African Union.
Additionally, Ghana advocated dialogue and reconciliation initiatives to promote tolerance, inclusion, integration, and renewed commitment to continental unity among African peoples.
The letter stressed that despite Africa’s painful history of slavery, colonialism, and apartheid, the continent’s future must be anchored on shared dignity, prosperity, and mutual respect.
Citing Ghana’s first President and renowned Pan-Africanist, Kwame Nkrumah, the government noted that Africa’s full emancipation and potential can only be achieved through unity and by ensuring that no African is dehumanised on African soil.