President John Dramani Mahama has condemned the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, describing them as a major setback to Africa’s pursuit of unity, integration and collective development.
Speaking at a town hall meeting with members of the Ghanaian diaspora in London on Sunday, May 31, President Mahama expressed concern over reports of attacks targeting Ghanaians and other African nationals in South Africa, warning that such incidents threaten the continent’s aspirations for closer cooperation and shared prosperity.
His remarks come amid efforts by the Ghanaian government to evacuate citizens affected by the unrest, with about 300 Ghanaians reportedly returned home through a coordinated operation involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria.
“We’ve always pushed for African unity, and so it’s sad to see some of the things that are happening on the continent,” President Mahama said.
He stressed that no African nation can achieve meaningful and sustainable progress in isolation, arguing that collaboration among countries remains essential to economic growth and development across 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 stated.
The President noted that Africa’s future depends on stronger integration and partnerships among member states, pointing to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a key initiative designed to facilitate 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.
President Mahama called on African leaders and citizens to remain committed to the principles of unity, solidarity and cooperation, emphasizing that collective action is necessary to achieve the continent’s long-term development goals.
The President’s comments add to growing concern over the impact of xenophobic violence on regional relations and ongoing efforts to promote continental integration under the African Union’s development agenda.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
