Ghana petitions AU over xenophobic attacks in South Africa
Ghana has written a letter to the African Union regarding the continued xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa, which will be on the agenda of its upcoming Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled for June 24 to 27, 2026, in El Alamein, Egypt.
In a memo dated May 6, 2026, addressed to the union’s chairperson, Ghana’s minister, Samuel Ablakwa, expressed deep concern over recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
He said the attacks led to loss of lives, destruction of investments and threats to the safety and well-being of African nationals living in the country.
According to the Ghanaian government, the continued attacks on fellow Africans undermine the principles of African solidarity, brotherhood and continental unity upheld by member states of the African Union.
“It is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years.
“This development is especially concerning when viewed in the light of the longstanding solidarity demonstrated by African states in support of the struggle against apartheid and South Africa’s subsequent democratic transformation,” the letter stated.
According to the Ghanaian government, the situation constitutes a violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, undermines Pan-African integration efforts and contradicts the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which promotes free movement and economic cooperation across Africa.
Ghana urged the AU to take concrete steps, including formally listing the matter on the agenda of the June meeting, strengthening monitoring mechanisms on member states’ obligations under AU treaties and establishing a fact-finding mission to investigate the root causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
The letter also called for dialogue and reconciliation initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance, inclusion, and a renewed commitment to African unity, stressing that Africa’s future depends on shared dignity, prosperity, and mutual respect among its people.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Taraba: Task force raids illegal gold-mining site, arrests two
The Taraba Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force on Monday arrested two suspected illegal miners during a raid on a gold-mining site at Mayo Kam in Gantu village, Bali council area.
Agriculture
Pankshin varsity launches initiative to plant 300 trees
To sustain its ecosystem, the Federal University of Education, Pankshin, Plateau, has launched a tree-planting initiative to plant 300 trees around the school.
Economy
PTDF-backed ABU zeolite innovation could save Nigeria $300 millin annually: VC
Mr Ahmed stated this when he led the university management to the executive secretary of PTDF, Shuaibu Shehu Aliyu, for a courtesy visit.
Health
KADCHMA targets 27,000 private school teachers for health insurance enrolment
KADCHMA has launched a sensitisation campaign targeting 27,000 private school teachers to enrol in the state’s contributory health scheme.
Showbiz
NBC to establish six regional studios to boost indigenous content
NBC says it will establish six production studios across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones to promote indigenous content and expand opportunities for content creators.
Economy
Edo: Gov Okpebholo assures welders of business-friendly environment
The governor assured members of the Welders Association in Edo of his administration’s readiness to continue creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
