Ghana Secures ECOWAS Backing For AU Action Over Xenophobic Attacks In South Africa

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has thrown its weight behind Ghana’s call for the African Union (AU) to intervene over the recent xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians and other Africans in South Africa.

The endorsement came during the 69th Ordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held on July 19, 2026 in Lungi.

President John Dramani Mahama, who led Ghana’s delegation, welcomed the decision and urged African leaders to defend the continent’s values of unity. He described the violence as a direct attack on the ideals of the liberation struggle.

“African liberation was achieved through solidarity across our borders. We must never permit that proud legacy to be weakened by intolerance by a small group of people,” President Mahama said.

He expressed Ghana’s deep concern about the incidents, noting that some Africans, including Ghanaians and Nigerians, had lost their lives, while many others were living in fear, intimidation and uncertainty.

“Ghana is deeply concerned about the recent incidents of xenophobic attacks against our citizens in South Africa, during which some Africans, including Ghanaians and Nigerian citizens, have lost their lives, while many other African nationals have experienced fear, intimidation and uncertainty,” he added.

With ECOWAS’ backing, Ghana’s petition will now be tabled at the next AU Mid-Year Summit for discussion.

“Ghana welcomes the decision of the Authority of Heads of State of ECOWAS to fully endorse and support Ghana's petition at the African Union for the matter to be addressed at the next AU Mid-Year Summit,” President Mahama said.

This is the first time ECOWAS Heads of State have collectively endorsed Ghana’s request for AU intervention since the government first raised the issue earlier this year.