Member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communication team, Eric Twum, has called on African countries to suspend economic and commercial engagements with South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.

According to him, repeated attacks on foreign nationals living and working in South Africa are not only alarming but also threaten the vision of African unity and cooperation that many countries on the continent have worked to promote.

Ghana, South Africa Engage Diplomatically Over Xenophobia Concerns

Speaking on Channel One TV's Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Twum said the recurring incidents run counter to regional integration efforts, particularly at a time when African countries are seeking to deepen trade and economic ties through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He argued that stronger action is needed to compel South African authorities to address the problem and ensure the safety of foreign nationals.

“The South African government is not taking the issue seriously, and I think that for us as a people and the rest of Africa, we need to be very clear in our minds so that this thing does not fester.

“We should stop going there, stop buying their products, stop taking their flights and stop dealing with them so that they can feel the pinch, because all of these things directly or indirectly support the same people who claim foreigners are taking their jobs,” he said.

Twum believes such measures would send a strong message to South African authorities and encourage them to take more decisive action against xenophobic violence.

He maintained that economic pressure could serve as a deterrent and help ensure better protection for Africans and other foreign nationals residing in the country.

His comments come amid renewed discussions across the continent about the safety of migrants and the impact of xenophobia on African integration.

Meanwhile, Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union to place the recurring attacks on African nationals in South Africa on the agenda of the upcoming Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting.

NA/VPO

'Apologise for benefitting from insults while in opposition' - Maurice Ampaw to President Mahama