Diplomatic relations between Ghana and South Africa have come under fresh strain after the Ghanaian government reportedly declined a request for a state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa amid rising concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
According to diplomatic sources in Accra and Pretoria, the decision followed an increase in anti-immigrant violence across parts of South Africa, where Ghanaian citizens and other African migrants have reportedly been affected.
The unrest has prompted about 1,000 Ghanaians to return home, while another 900 are said to have begun registration for voluntary repatriation.
Tensions escalated further after reports that a 40-year-old Ghanaian, Bashiru Isak, was killed during demonstrations by groups opposed to the presence of foreign nationals in South Africa on June 30, 2026.
A diplomatic source in South Africa said Ghana was deeply worried about the safety and welfare of its citizens and believed it would be inappropriate to host a high-level state visit under the current circumstances.
Sources also indicated that Ghanaian officials were concerned about President Ramaphosa’s security during any visit, fearing that heightened public emotions over the attacks could create additional risks.
One official reportedly stated that Ghana remains firmly committed to protecting its citizens abroad and believes a state visit at this time could further complicate the diplomatic situation rather than improve relations.
However, South African authorities have challenged Ghana’s account of the reported killing and the broader narrative surrounding the demonstrations.
The South African government maintained that no fatalities were recorded during the June 30 protests, which drew thousands of demonstrators in several parts of the country.
South Africa’s Justice Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, described Ghana’s claims as inaccurate, arguing that they presented a misleading picture of events and unfairly portrayed South Africa as hostile to foreign nationals.
She also expressed concern over what she described as the continued circulation of incorrect information regarding migration-related developments in South Africa, warning that such claims could damage the country’s international reputation.
The latest dispute has intensified discussions about the safety of African migrants living in South Africa, with Ghana urging stronger measures to protect its citizens and prevent further attacks on foreign nationals.
