Mahama pushes AU to confront South Africa xenophobia crisis as Ghana bears evacuation costs

President John Dramani Mahama has made an urgent call for the African Union to take decisive action against escalating xenophobic attacks in South Africa, framing the violence as a fundamental threat to continental unity and integration. Speaking during discussions with African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf at the Jubilee House in Accra on Wednesday, July 22, Mahama emphasised that the issue demands immediate attention at the highest levels of continental governance.

The President drew attention to Ghana's substantial financial and logistical burden in responding to the crisis. Ghana has deployed three chartered aircraft to evacuate its citizens from South Africa, with a fourth mission planned to bring home approximately 900 additional Ghanaians who have registered for repatriation. Beyond the costs of these emergency flights, the government has provided reintegration fees and allowances to returnees, representing a significant drain on state resources.

The human toll and pattern of impunity

Mahama highlighted the tragic human dimension of the xenophobic violence, noting that at least two Ghanaian citizens have been killed in the attacks. He expressed concern about what he characterised as an inadequate response from South African authorities, suggesting that perpetrators of the violence have operated with near-total impunity. The President stated that individuals known to be inciting these attacks have not faced meaningful consequences, allowing them to continue spreading violence unchecked.

The attacks have created severe trauma across affected countries and their diaspora communities. Mahama underscored that such violence undermines years of work toward African integration and solidarity, with potential long-term consequences for regional cooperation and trust between member states.

Diplomatic efforts and raising awareness

Despite the gravity of Ghana's concerns, Mahama indicated that diplomatic channels remain open. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sent a delegation to Ghana on July 21 to discuss the situation, demonstrating some engagement with the issue. However, Mahama made clear that Ghana's decision to escalate the matter to the AU level is intended to ensure accountability and address root causes rather than damage bilateral relations.

"Sometimes these things happen, and we want to sweep them under the carpet, but when we do that, we do not cure what the problem is," the President said, arguing that confronting xenophobia openly is essential to resolving it.

Why it matters for Ghana

This situation carries significant implications for Ghana and other West African nations with substantial populations in South Africa. Beyond the immediate humanitarian and financial costs, the xenophobic violence threatens the principle of free movement and safe residence that underpins African unity efforts. Ghana's willingness to raise the issue at the AU demonstrates its commitment to protecting citizens abroad whilst advocating for continental accountability standards.

The crisis also highlights vulnerabilities within Africa's integration frameworks. If South Africa—the continent's most developed economy—cannot or will not protect foreign African nationals, it signals weakness in AU mechanisms for enforcing member-state obligations. Mahama's push to place this on the AU's agenda seeks to establish stronger protections and accountability measures that could benefit all African citizens living abroad.

For Ghana specifically, the evacuation operations represent both a protective response and a policy statement: the government will not allow its citizens to remain in harm's way, regardless of cost. As the crisis continues, Ghana's diplomatic pressure at the continental level may encourage other affected nations to coordinate similar demands, potentially forcing a comprehensive AU response to a long-standing regional problem.