Ghana has called off an upcoming official visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, pointing to worries about the killing of a Ghanaian citizen and fresh reports of attacks on Ghanaians in South Africa.
The move comes after Ghanaian officials confirmed the death of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak, who they say was shot amid protests tied to a new wave of violence against foreigners in South Africa on June 30, 2026.
Sources in Accra said the decision reflects rising alarm over the security of Ghanaians in South Africa and the urgent need to tackle cases of aggression toward migrants. Ramaphosa had been scheduled to travel to Ghana in the first week of August.
The trip was meant to deepen ties between the two nations and address concerns about attacks on non-nationals.But Ghana’s government stated that current tensions must be dealt with first before such diplomatic meetings can go ahead.
Accra has also lodged a formal complaint with Pretoria regarding Mr. Isak’s death and wider worries about the wellbeing of Ghanaians residing in South Africa. Officials in Ghana say Mr. Isak was killed during “anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks” in Cape Town’s Khayelitsha area.
South African authorities, however, reject Ghana’s version of events, calling the allegations “factually incorrect” and “not based on fact.”Pretoria insists that no fatalities occurred during the June 30 protests, which drew thousands of people in several cities.
South Africa’s Justice Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, accused Ghana of misrepresenting the situation and damaging South Africa’s image.
“It is concerning that Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration,” she said in a statement.“The spread of false information to perpetuate the false narrative that South Africa is xenophobic is unacceptable,” she added.
