Ghana petitions AU over xenophobic attacks in South Africa

The Government of Ghana has made a formal petition to the African Union (AU) to place the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa against Africans on the agenda of the upcoming Mid-Year Coordination Meeting to be attended by Heads of State and Governments.

In a letter dated May 6, 2026, addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said Ghana was deeply concerned about the recurrence of xenophobic incidents targeting Africans living in South Africa.

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The letter shared by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu on his social media on Thursday, May 7, 2026, said the attacks had resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property and growing fear among affected communities.

According to the government, the attacks go against the values and objectives of the African Union and threaten efforts toward African unity and integration.

The letter explained that while Ghana recognises the efforts by the South African government to restore calm and protect foreign nationals, the continued violence required urgent continental attention.

It stated that the recurring incidents “pose a serious threat to the ideals of Pan-Africanism and peaceful coexistence among African peoples.”

The government further noted that the attacks violate key principles of the African Union, including respect for human dignity, human rights and the free movement of persons across the continent.

Ghana proposed that the issue be discussed at the AU meeting with specific measures to address the situation.

Among the proposals were stronger AU monitoring mechanisms to support member states in upholding the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the establishment of a fact-finding mission to investigate the root causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa.

The letter also called for dialogue and reconciliation efforts aimed at promoting tolerance, inclusion and continental unity among African people.

“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,” portions of the letter stated.

It added that the vision of Africa’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, could only be achieved through unity and collective commitment.

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“As Ghana’s founder and renowned Pan-Africanist Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah consistently proclaimed, the full potential and emancipation of Africa can only be achieved when Africa unites.

“That aspiration begins with a collective resolve to ensure that no African is dehumanised on African soil.,” the letter added.

The Government of Ghana has formally written to the African Union requesting that the South African xenophobic attacks targeted at Africans be placed on the agenda at the upcoming Mid-Year Coordination Meeting to be attended by Heads of State and Government. pic.twitter.com/DGOXajpjhh

— Felix Kwakye Ofosu (@FelixKwakyeOfo1) May 7, 2026