Accra: Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has called for an end to xenophobia and attacks on fellow Africans to advance continental integration and economic emancipation. He said Africa could not achieve meaningful regional integration and economic prosperity while some countries continued to expel, dehumanise, and attack fellow Africans within their borders. Mr Ablakwa made the call at the close of the 2026 3i Africa Summit in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Ablakwa emphasized the need for Africans to increase belief in themselves and to embrace products made in Africa, alongside fostering more compassion for one another. He expressed concern over the recent surge in xenophobia, stating, "We cannot be talking about trading amongst ourselves, integrating, when we are not welcoming of each other." He urged that law enforcement, rather than individuals, handle cases where guests may not adhere to domestic laws.
Drawing comparisons to Europe's response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis following the Russia-Ukraine conflict four years ago, Mr Ablakwa highlighted how European countries welcomed about 5.3 million Ukrainians with special integration policies. In contrast, he pointed out the lack of attention given to the Sudan crisis, where over 14 million people have been displaced. He commended President John Dramani Mahama for his efforts in sending relief aid to Sudan, describing it as part of a conscious humanitarian foreign policy.
Mr Ablakwa questioned the rationale behind expelling fellow Africans and challenged the notion that such actions could address unemployment or crime. He underscored that deeper integration, partnerships, and compassion are essential solutions. Highlighting Africa's abundance of resources-including 30 per cent of the world's mineral resources and 60 per cent of global arable land-he urged African leaders to collaborate in responding to global transformations in technology, finance, and geopolitics.
Ghana's commitment to continental integration and economic sovereignty was evidenced by hosting the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Mr Ablakwa noted. He also highlighted Ghana's role in the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which mitigates currency risks and enhances trade settlements across African markets in support of AfCFTA implementation.
Regarding financing, Mr Ablakwa encouraged African nations to allocate up to 30 per cent of their sovereign reserves to African financial institutions to bolster the continent's development. He stated that the outcomes of the 3i Africa Summit would be presented to President Mahama and would inform implementation priorities when Ghana assumes leadership of the African Union in February 2027.
Mr Ablakwa concluded by urging that "Africa must speak with a stronger and more unified voice in global financial governance," emphasizing that the continent's future depends on being more connected, inclusive, and compassionate toward its own people.