Ghana has rejected a request for a state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as diplomatic tensions escalate over a wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaian nationals and other African immigrants in South Africa, according to diplomatic sources in Accra and Pretoria cited by the Daily Graphic.
Violence Forces Repatriation of Ghanaians
The anti-foreigner violence has already forced approximately 1,000 Ghanaians to return home, with another 900 registered for repatriation. The situation turned deadly on June 30, 2026, when a Ghanaian national, 40-year-old Bashiru Isak, was killed during demonstrations by xenophobic groups targeting African migrants in South Africa.
A South African source told the Daily Graphic that Accra was "deeply concerned about the safety and dignity of its citizens" and could not justify hosting a high-profile visit "under the current circumstances."
Safety Concerns for Both Leaders
Ghanaian officials also cited security risks for Ramaphosa himself, fearing that anti-migrant sentiment could provoke a hostile public reaction. "The government's position on the protection of Ghanaians abroad is non-negotiable," one source said, adding that a visit in the current climate could do more harm than good for both leaders.
South Africa Disputes Ghana's Account
South African authorities have disputed Ghana's account of the killing, describing the claims as "factually incorrect" and "not based on fact." The South African government said no deaths were recorded during the June 30 demonstrations, which attracted thousands of protesters in parts of the country.
South Africa’s Justice Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, said Ghana’s characterisation of the incident was misleading and risked creating a negative perception of South Africa. "It is concerning that Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration," she was quoted as saying in a statement. "The spread of false information to perpetuate the false narrative that South Africa is xenophobic is unacceptable."
Broader Implications for African Diplomacy
The development has reignited discussions over the safety of African nationals living in South Africa, with Ghana calling for stronger measures to protect its citizens abroad and prevent further attacks. The diplomatic rift underscores growing tensions between African nations over the treatment of migrants in South Africa.
