A Ghanaian petition calling on the African Union to act against xenophobic attacks in South Africa is making the rounds online. The letter, dated May 6, 2026 and signed by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, urges the AU to place the issue on the agenda of its Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in El Alamein, Egypt, set for June 24 to 27.
The move follows growing concern across West Africa after several viral videos showed Africans, including Nigerians and Ghanaians, being threatened and harassed in South Africa. Nigeria had already taken diplomatic steps after reports emerged that two of its citizens were killed in related incidents. Ghana itself summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner in Accra to lodge a formal protest, and says it is still closely monitoring the safety of its nationals there.
In the petition, Ghana is asking the AU to do more to hold member states accountable to their human rights commitments. It also wants the continental body to launch an independent investigation into what is driving the violence and to support efforts that bring communities together through dialogue and mutual respect.
Ablakwa said the attacks undermine the unity African nations built during the fight against apartheid and threaten the values of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which depends on free movement and cooperation. He referenced Ghana’s founding leader Kwame Nkrumah, stating that Africa cannot move forward if its own people are not safe and respected at home.
The minister stressed that no African should face hostility or violence simply for living in another African country. Ghana hopes the AU will use the upcoming summit to send a clear message that such acts go against the spirit of Pan-African solidarity.
See the full petition below.
