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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
Businessman and politician Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has announced a change in his legal representation in the ongoing criminal case against him.
In a statement issued by him, Wontumi said he has appointed former Member of Parliament and lawyer, Mr. Samuel Atta Akyea, as his new lead defence counsel.
He explained that the decision was taken after careful consultation and is in line with his constitutional right to choose his own lawyer.
According to him, the change is intended to ensure that his defence is properly and effectively presented before the court in accordance with the law.
Wontumi expressed appreciation to his previous legal team for their work on the case, stressing that the decision to replace them should not be seen as a reflection of their competence or dedication.
He noted that he remains committed to defending himself through due process and insisted that, like every accused person, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
He added that the prosecution carries the burden of proving the charges against him beyond reasonable doubt.
Wontumi further stated that his new lawyer will take steps to review the case file and handle all necessary applications and submissions to protect his right to a fair trial.
He called on the public and all parties involved to avoid speculation and allow the legal process to continue without interference.
He expressed confidence that the court process will be guided by the Constitution and the principles of justice and fairness.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, says President John Mahama’s decision to reduce the number of political appointees has saved the state millions of cedis in public spending.
Addressing journalists during the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Monday, June 15, 2026, Mr. Ofosu Kwakye said the current administration has reduced the number of political appointees from 355 under the previous government to 233.
According to him, the reduction has significantly lowered government expenditure on salaries, accommodation, official vehicles and other benefits provided to political appointees.
He explained that reports suggesting the current government is spending more on compensation despite having fewer appointees were inaccurate and failed to take into account salary adjustments approved for officials who served under the previous administration.
Mr. Ofosu Kwakye noted that the salaries and conditions of service currently being enjoyed by President Mahama’s appointees were determined by a committee established under the previous government and not by the current administration.
He said former appointees under the Akufo-Addo administration had received salary top-ups and other payments based on recommendations made by the committee, adding that these additional payments were not reflected in some of the comparisons being made.
“The reduction has saved money, running into millions,” he stated.
The minister further indicated that President Mahama has not purchased new vehicles for many of his appointees, with some officials using their personal vehicles for official duties.
According to him, this has further reduced government expenditure and contributed to efforts to ensure prudent management of public resources.
Mr. Ofosu Kwakye also criticised reports that suggested there was no financial benefit from reducing the number of appointees. He argued that such reports failed to seek clarification from government before publication and therefore did not present the full picture.
He maintained that when all costs associated with political appointments are considered, including salaries, accommodation, vehicles and other benefits, the current administration is spending less because it has fewer appointees.
Mr. Ofosu Kwakye reiterated that the government’s decision to maintain a lean presidency forms part of efforts to reduce public expenditure while ensuring efficient governance.
By: Jacob Aggrey
