President John Dramani Mahama has condemned the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, describing the incidents as a setback to Africa’s long-standing aspirations for unity, integration, and shared prosperity.
His comments come amid reports of attacks targeting Ghanaians and other African nationals in South Africa, which have prompted the evacuation of some 300 Ghanaians back home.
Speaking during a town hall meeting in London on Sunday, May 31, President Mahama expressed concern over the developments, saying they undermine efforts to strengthen cooperation among African countries and promote continental development.
According to him, Africa’s progress depends on collaboration among its nations rather than isolation.
“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.
President Mahama stressed that African countries must continue to work together to advance economic growth and development, noting that the continent’s future is tied to greater integration and cooperation.
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 added.
The President urged African countries to remain committed to the ideals of unity and solidarity, emphasising the need for stronger cooperation to achieve the continent’s development goals.
His remarks come as Ghana continues efforts to support citizens affected by the unrest in South Africa, with hundreds already evacuated through a government-led operation coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria.
