President John Dramani Mahama has expressed shock over the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa, condemning the barbaric act and describing it as an affront to Africa’s long-standing aspirations for unity.
He says the act, which targets Ghanaians and other Africans in South Africa, also hinders integration and the shared prosperity the continent seeks.
His comments stem from the ongoing attacks in several parts of South Africa which has seen the Government of Ghana evacuating about 300 citizens, with some 600 more yet to be brought home.
At a town hall meeting in London on Sunday, May 31, 2026, President Mahama articulated his disquiet over the development, indicating the practice erodes Africa’s efforts to strengthen cooperation among its member states and promote development.
He noted that the progress of the continent is largely hinged on unity, rather than disunity which the ongoing act in South Africa seeks to bring.
“We’ve always pushed for African unity, and so it’s sad to see some of the things that are happening on the continent. There’s no way that any African country can achieve the kind of progress that it needs without working with other countries. We cannot achieve it in isolation,” he said.
To ensure economic growth and development, John Mahama reiterated that the continent must work together to promote that, underscoring the significance of integration an cooperation in shaping the future of Africa.
He cited the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as an example of efforts aimed at promoting the free movement of people, goods, and services across the continent.
“That is why we passed AfCFTA, so that our people can move freely among themselves,” he stated.
President Mahama urged African nations to foster stronger cooperation and remain committed to unity and solidarity, saying this is key to achieving the continent’s development goals.
