Ghana declines proposed state visit by South African President amid xenophobic issues
The Ghanaian government has declined a request for a state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing growing concerns over recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have affected Ghanaian citizens.
According to diplomatic sources in both Accra and Pretoria, the decision follows a recent wave of anti-foreigner violence in parts of South Africa, which has reportedly forced the repatriation of about 1,000 Ghanaians. An additional 900 nationals are also said to have registered for voluntary return.
The attacks have heightened tensions after reports emerged that a Ghanaian national was killed on June 30 during demonstrations targeting African migrants.
However, South African authorities have disputed that account, maintaining that the victim was shot a day earlier, on June 29, in what they described as a suspected extortion-related incident at a barbershop in Nyanga, Cape Town. Officials insist the killing was unrelated to the anti-immigrant protests.
The conflicting accounts have triggered a diplomatic dispute between the two countries, with South Africa’s Ministry of Justice rejecting Ghana’s statements and describing them as factually inaccurate.
Diplomatic sources told the Daily Graphic that Ghana’s decision to postpone the planned August visit was driven by concerns over the safety and welfare of its citizens in South Africa.
A source familiar with the matter said the government believes the current security environment is not conducive for a high-level diplomatic engagement and that the protection of Ghanaians abroad remains a top priority.
The source also noted that Ghana considered the security of President Ramaphosa, expressing concerns that the tense atmosphere surrounding the xenophobic attacks could generate hostility during his visit.
According to the source, Ghana has formally communicated its position to South Africa and urged authorities there to take concrete measures to curb the attacks and ensure the safety of Ghanaian nationals before any state visit can be reconsidered.
