Omanghana
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Council of Ministers has officially endorsed Ghana’s petition to the African Union (AU) seeking action over reported xenophobic attacks and discrimination against African migrants in South Africa.
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the unanimous regional backing during an ECOWAS ministerial meeting held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, describing the decision as a significant show of solidarity among West African nations.
Ghana’s Petition Targets Anti-Foreigner Violence in South Africa
Ghana submitted the diplomatic petition to the AU following a series of reported incidents involving anti-foreigner protests, harassment, and the forced closure of businesses owned by Ghanaian, Nigerian, and other West African traders operating in South Africa.
Accra argues that the reported attacks and discrimination violate fundamental principles of African unity and undermine the rights of African citizens living and working across the continent.
Protecting African Integration and Free Movement
The Ghanaian government has maintained that unchecked xenophobia threatens broader continental integration efforts, including the vision of free movement and economic cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Officials argue that discrimination against African nationals contradicts the objectives of regional and continental agreements designed to promote trade, investment, and movement of people across Africa.
Ghana has also cited the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, arguing that member states have a responsibility to protect the rights and dignity of all African citizens.
Push for AU Investigation
With support from Nigeria, Ghana is calling for a formal AU-level investigation into the reported incidents.
Minister Ablakwa has also suggested that if adequate security guarantees cannot be provided, the Pan-African Parliament could consider relocating from its current base in Midrand, South Africa, as a way of addressing concerns about safety and inclusion.
ECOWAS Also Supports Reparatory Justice Framework
In addition to backing Ghana’s anti-xenophobia initiative, the ECOWAS Council of Ministers also endorsed the Accra Next Steps Commitments on Reparatory Justice.
The Ghana-led framework seeks to build a unified African position calling for international reparations from former colonial powers over the historical impacts of the transatlantic slave trade and colonial exploitation.
The initiative aims to strengthen Africa’s collective voice on historical justice while advancing discussions on compensation, recognition, and economic recovery linked to centuries of exploitation.
Regional Support Strengthens Ghana’s Diplomatic Position
The ECOWAS endorsement gives Ghana greater diplomatic backing ahead of future AU Heads of State meetings, strengthening West Africa’s collective position on issues affecting African citizens across the continent.
However, South Africa’s government has previously criticized Ghana’s decision to escalate the matter to the AU, describing the move as “regrettable.”
Pretoria has argued that any continental discussion on migration challenges should also consider broader issues, including governance difficulties and economic conditions that contribute to irregular migration between African countries.
A Growing Debate Over African Unity and Migration
The dispute has opened a wider conversation about migration, citizenship rights, and the responsibilities of African governments toward citizens from other member states.
As Ghana continues to push the issue through regional and continental institutions, the matter is expected to remain a key topic in discussions on African integration, human rights, and the future of free movement across the continent.
Source: Omanghana
