ECOWAS Council of Ministers Throws Full Weight Behind Ghana’s Anti-Xenophobia Petition to African Union

Ghana has secured strong regional backing in its diplomatic push against xenophobia. The ECOWAS Council of Ministers has declared its full support for Ghana’s formal petition to the African Union (AU) aimed at addressing rising xenophobic tendencies across the continent. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa made the announcement following high-level regional engagements.

The Minister shared the development in a Facebook post on Sunday, July 19, shortly after participating in the ECOWAS Council of Ministers meetings held in Sierra Leone. These preparatory sessions preceded the convening of the Authority of Heads of State and Government on the same day. Ablakwa’s disclosure highlighted the unanimous regional consensus achieved during the meetings, underscoring a unified West African stance on the issue.

Ghana’s petition to the AU seeks concerted continental action to combat xenophobia, which has strained relations and affected the free movement of persons and goods within Africa. By securing ECOWAS endorsement, Ghana positions the matter as a priority for broader African integration and solidarity. The support reflects growing concern among member states about incidents that undermine the spirit of pan-Africanism and the protocols on free movement.

The development comes at a critical time as ECOWAS continues to strengthen intra-regional cooperation ahead of key summits. Minister Ablakwa’s participation in the Sierra Leone meetings demonstrates Ghana’s active diplomatic engagement in shaping regional positions on emerging challenges. The Council’s backing is expected to amplify Ghana’s voice when the petition is formally presented at the African Union level.

This show of solidarity reinforces Ghana’s longstanding commitment to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among African nations. Stakeholders anticipate that the unified ECOWAS position will encourage other regional economic communities to lend their support, paving the way for more robust AU-level interventions against xenophobia.