South Africa's xenophobia crisis: Why Ghana must lead the charge for African unity

President John Dramani Mahama has taken a bold stand against the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, and Ghana is showing the continent what true leadership looks like. In a powerful address to an African Union delegation at the Jubilee House, Mahama called out the inadequate response from South African authorities and demanded accountability.

But not everyone is cheering. Jacinta Ngobese, leader of the anti-immigrant group March and March, fired back on X, questioning why Mahama is focusing on South Africa instead of fixing Ghana's own challenges. Her argument: Ghanaians are fleeing their own country because of poor governance. It's a sharp critique that deserves a serious answer.

Here's the thing: Mahama is right to call out xenophobia. The attacks have forced Ghana to evacuate its citizens via three chartered flights. That's not just a diplomatic headache. It's a human tragedy. And it threatens everything the African Union has worked for: solidarity, integration, and shared prosperity.

But Ngobese also has a point. If Ghana wants to lead, it must first put its own house in order. The best way to stop Ghanaians from seeking opportunities abroad is to create those opportunities at home. That means investing in education, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship. It means making Ghana a place where young people don't have to look elsewhere for a future.

What President Mahama said about the xenophobic attacks

During the meeting with the AU delegation, Mahama did not mince words. He said the South African authorities are not responding with the urgency the situation demands. 'The persons who are fanning these xenophobic attacks are known, and they have been left free to continue to do what they want to do,' he stated. 'It has become something they are doing with impunity at very high cost to us.'

Mahama also revealed that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had sent a delegation to Ghana to discuss the matter. 'I told them, Ghana, we don't have any malice against South Africa, but we're raising it as an issue for discussion to even give South Africa the opportunity to take that platform of the continental body and explain what they are doing to the world about the xenophobic attacks,' he explained.

Why Jacinta Ngobese's criticism matters

Ngobese's response was sharp and direct. 'Why don't you rather deal with the reason WHY your people are scattered all over the world running away from you as their government??' she posted on X on July 23, 2026. It's a question that resonates with many Ghanaians who feel frustrated by the lack of opportunities at home.

But here's the nuance: addressing domestic challenges and standing up against xenophobia are not mutually exclusive. Ghana can and must do both. The diaspora is a powerful force for economic growth. Instead of blaming them for leaving, we should create conditions that make them want to return and invest.

What this means for African unity and business

The xenophobic attacks are a wake-up call for the African Union. Mahama warned that they could 'wreck everything that we have worked for: African solidarity, African integration, and all that.' He's right. If African nations cannot protect each other's citizens, the dream of a united, prosperous Africa will remain just that: a dream.

For Ghana, this is an opportunity to lead. We can champion reforms that make the continent safer for all Africans. We can push for stronger mechanisms to prevent xenophobia. And we can show that economic growth and open borders go hand in hand.

Frequently asked questions

Why did President Mahama criticize South Africa over xenophobia?

Mahama criticized South African authorities for not doing enough to stop the attacks. He said the perpetrators are known and acting with impunity, and that the AU must intervene to protect African unity.

What did Jacinta Ngobese say in response?

Ngobese questioned why Mahama is focusing on South Africa instead of addressing the conditions in Ghana that force citizens to migrate. She argued that poor governance is the root cause of the diaspora.

How did Ghana respond to the attacks?

Ghana evacuated its citizens via three chartered flights. Mahama also met with an AU delegation and a South African delegation sent by President Ramaphosa to discuss the issue.

Photo: GhanaWeb