President Mahama Urges African Union to Address South Africa Xenophobic Attacks

President John Dramani Mahama has called on the African Union to take active measures against recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Speaking at Jubilee House in Accra on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, during a meeting with African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssou, he described the violence as a serious threat to continental integration.

The President emphasized that targeted attacks against foreign African nationals undermine decades of hard work aimed at fostering unity, free trade, and diplomatic solidarity across the continent.

President Mahama highlighted the heavy financial burden placed on the state to protect and evacuate Ghanaian nationals from hostile areas. Ghana has already operated three chartered flights to bring citizens home safely, with three additional emergency evacuation flights planned for approximately 900 citizens signed up for return.

The state also provides reintegration allowances to help returning citizens restart their lives safely in Ghana. Paying for emergency transport and resettlement allowances diverts critical public resources that could otherwise support domestic infrastructure development.

Expressing deep sadness over the confirmed deaths of two Ghanaian citizens in South Africa, President Mahama criticized local law enforcement for responding inadequately to anti-immigrant violence. He noted that ringleaders fanning xenophobic sentiments operate openly with public impunity rather than facing immediate criminal arrest.

While South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently sent a diplomatic delegation to Accra, President Mahama insisted that sweeping these recurring crises under the carpet prevents real solutions. Placing xenophobic violence on the official agenda of the upcoming African Union summit ensures transparent, continental accountability.

President Mahama clarified that Ghana harbors no diplomatic malice toward South Africa but seeks open dialogue to protect human life. Bringing these issues to the African Union provides South African authorities a constructive platform to explain their strategy for curbing hate crimes.

Protecting migrant workers and ensuring peaceful coexistence remains essential for regional trade frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area. AU member nations must work together to ensure every African can live and work safely anywhere on the continent.

Also Read: Ghana Declines Ramaphosa Visit Amid Tensions Over Xenophobic Attacks