President John Dramani Mahama has called on the African Union (AU) to formally address the rising cases of xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants in South Africa.

In a Facebook post shared after a meeting with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, at the Jubilee House on July 22, 2026, he expressed concern over the escalating violence and its impact on Africans in South Africa.

"During bilateral talks on the sidelines of the AU Extraordinary Summit in Accra, I reiterated Ghana’s call for the African Union to formally address the escalating xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa", he stated

President Mahama further noted that the AU Commission Chairperson had agreed to table the matter for discussion at the next summit.

"I am pleased that AU Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has acknowledged the urgent need to table this matter for discussion at the next AU Summit", he noted


President Mahama also disclosed that Ghana had communicated its concerns to a special envoy sent by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during a meeting in Accra earlier in the week.

“We do not harbour ill will toward South Africa. However, we remain deeply concerned about the attacks and the significant capital losses suffered by people from various countries on the continent,” he said.

According to him, xenophobic attacks undermine the principles of African unity and efforts toward deeper continental integration.

“Sweeping this matter under the carpet will not resolve its root causes. That is why Ghana officially wrote to the AU Commission requesting that this issue be placed on the agenda for the next summit,” he added.

Ghana must confront South Africa’s xenophobic madness with equal resolve

The president explained that placing the issue on the AU agenda would provide South Africa with an opportunity to present its perspective while allowing member states to collectively work towards a sustainable solution.

“Let us remember that our strength as a continent lies in our unity. Ghana remains committed to working with all AU member states to find lasting solutions that protect the dignity, safety, and investments of every African, everywhere on our continent,” President Mahama said.

South Africa has experienced recurring xenophobic attacks targeting African and Asian migrants, with recent waves in 2026 resulting in deaths, displacement, and widespread fear.

See the post below:



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