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Solomon Owusu, Andrew Appiah Danquah file Petition for removal of AfCFTA Secretary-General over Xenophobia attacks in South Africa
Political activist Solomon Owusu and lawyer Andrew Appiah-Danquah have filed a petition with the African Union (AU) seeking the removal of Wamkele Keabetswe Mene as Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat over concerns about recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The petition, dated May 31, 2026, was addressed to the African Union Commission, the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, and the Council of Ministers Responsible for Trade under the AfCFTA.
The two petitioners argued that the continued leadership of the AfCFTA Secretariat by a South African national is inconsistent with the goals of African unity and integration because of South Africa’s record of xenophobic violence against fellow Africans.
According to the petition, the AfCFTA represents Africa’s most significant economic integration initiative and is intended to promote intra-African trade, free movement of people and investment, and stronger cooperation among African countries.
They said the Secretary-General serves not only as an administrator but also as a symbol of the Pan-African vision.
Mr. Owusu and Mr. Appiah-Danquah stated that citizens from several African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have over the years suffered assaults, displacement, destruction of property and other forms of violence during xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The petitioners said their concerns were not directed at Mr. Mene personally or against the people of South Africa.
Rather, they maintained that the issue concerns the moral authority and credibility of institutions tasked with advancing African integration.
While acknowledging Mr. Mene’s professional achievements and contributions to the establishment of the AfCFTA Secretariat, they argued that leadership of a major Pan-African institution requires more than administrative competence.
According to them, it also requires moral authority and a strong commitment to the ideals of African solidarity.
The petition further noted that many African countries supported South Africa’s struggle against apartheid through political, diplomatic and material assistance.
The petitioners argued that the recurring attacks on African migrants undermine the spirit of solidarity that contributed to South Africa’s liberation.
They contended that the success of the AfCFTA depends on trust among Africans and confidence that citizens can move, work, trade and invest across the continent without fear of discrimination or hostility.
As part of the reliefs sought, the petitioners called on the African Union to review Mr. Mene’s continued suitability for the position, establish a high-level inquiry into the effect of xenophobia on African integration efforts, and consider appointing a replacement Secretary-General from another member state.
They urged the AU to adopt policies requiring candidates for leadership positions in key continental institutions to demonstrate a commitment to Pan-Africanism and African solidarity, as well as develop a framework to monitor and address xenophobia across member states.
The petition was submitted in Accra on May 31, 2026.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed all party members and groups engaged in early presidential campaign activities to stop immediately.
The directive followed a meeting between the Council and President John Dramani Mahama on May 29, 2026, during which they discussed party unity, discipline and support for the government’s Resetting Agenda.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the Council expressed concern over reports of premature presidential campaigns and related political activities by some individuals and groups within the party.
It noted that the NDC is currently focused on delivering on the mandate given to it by Ghanaians and urged members to channel their energy, resources and commitment towards supporting the government’s efforts to improve the lives of citizens.
The Council stressed that activities that could create division, distraction or unnecessary competition within the party should be avoided at this stage.
It further reminded members of Article 42 of the party’s constitution, which states that the date and venue for the election of a presidential candidate must be determined by the National Executive Committee (NEC).
According to the Council, no individual, group or interest bloc has the authority to engage in or promote any form of presidential campaign until the NEC officially announces the timetable and guidelines for presidential primaries.
It therefore directed all persons involved in such activities to cease immediately.
The directive covers campaigning, mobilisation, endorsements, publicity and any related activities aimed at promoting the presidential ambitions of prospective candidates.
The Council called on party members to remain united and focus on supporting the government’s transformational agenda and fulfilling the expectations of the Ghanaian people.
It added that the time for internal contests would come, but for now, the party’s collective responsibility is to serve the nation and ensure the successful implementation of the mandate entrusted to it.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Presidential staffer, Dr Sammy Ayeh has criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing it of focusing on issues that do not address the needs of Ghanaians.
Commenting on the controversy surrounding a private family funeral of Gold board CEO, Sammy Gyamfi’s father on facebook , Dr Ayeh described attempts to politicise the event as unnecessary and a distraction from matters of national importance.
He argued that at a time when Ghana is focused on economic recovery, job creation, healthcare, education and attracting investment, the opposition should be concentrating on government policies and offering alternatives rather than discussing a private family ceremony.
According to him, the funeral was organised by a private family with relatives capable of managing their own affairs, making the political attention surrounding it unwarranted.
Dr Ayeh made the remarks while referring to President John Dramani Mahama’s recent engagement with members of the Ghanaian diaspora in London during his official working visit to the United Kingdom.
He noted that during the meeting, the President discussed Ghana’s development agenda, investment opportunities and the role of Ghanaians abroad in supporting national growth.
He indicated that Mr Mahama also highlighted measures being implemented by his administration in areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure and social protection to improve the lives of citizens.
Dr Ayeh maintained that a responsible opposition party should examine such policies, question them where necessary and provide alternative solutions.
Instead, he contended that the NPP appeared more interested in what he described as “funeral politics” than issues affecting the daily lives of Ghanaians.
While acknowledging that questioning government actions is an important part of democracy, he stressed that such scrutiny must be constructive and aimed at advancing the public interest.
He further argued that opposition should be measured by the quality of ideas and alternatives presented rather than the volume of criticism.
Dr Ayeh expressed concern that the NPP had, in his view, replaced meaningful policy engagement with sensationalism and political theatrics.
He urged the party to focus on examining government programmes, proposing credible alternatives and contributing positively to national debate.
According to him, Ghanaians deserve an opposition that addresses pressing national issues and helps strengthen democratic governance.
By: Jacob Aggrey
