The Ghana government, driven by initiatives from Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has received widespread support and praise from various African stakeholders for formally reporting South Africa to the African Union (AU) over renewed xenophobic attacks.
Key Aspects of the Action and Response:
Formal Petition: Ghana petitioned the AU to place the recurrent attacks on the agenda for the June 2026 Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, classifying it as a matter of “urgent continental interest”.
Regional Support: Nigeria and other African nations expressed support for stronger action against the attacks, which are viewed as a betrayal of African solidarity.
Support for Actions: Social media and public commentary, including voices from other African countries, have praised Mr. Ablakwa for taking a firm stand, with some calling on the “sleeping AU” to treat the issue with the necessary seriousness.
Condemnation of Violence: Minister Ablakwa described the attacks on foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, as “most regrettable and condemnable,” noting that they undermine the core values of Pan-Africanism.
Proposed Sanctions: Mr. Ablakwa has called for the AU to consider relocating the Pan-African Parliament from Midrand, South Africa, if the attacks continue.
Ghanaian authorities summoned the South African Acting High Commissioner to Ghana, Thando Dalamba, to express concern over viral videos depicting the intimidation and harassment of foreign nationals. Ghana has further stated it is in the process of coordinating the evacuation of its citizens from the affected
