Ghana has declined a request for a state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa amid growing concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaian nationals and other African migrants in South Africa.
Diplomatic sources in both Accra and Pretoria told the Daily Graphic that the decision followed a recent surge in anti-foreigner violence in parts of South Africa. The unrest has reportedly led to the repatriation of about 1,000 Ghanaians, while hundreds more are said to be awaiting evacuation.
Tensions escalated further after a Ghanaian national was reportedly killed on June 30 during demonstrations by groups protesting the presence of African migrants.
A South African diplomatic source said Ghana’s decision underscored its concerns over the safety and dignity of its citizens residing in South Africa, noting that proceeding with a high-level state visit under the current circumstances would have been inappropriate.
A Ghanaian diplomatic source also confirmed the government’s position, stating that protecting Ghanaians abroad remains a top priority. The source added that authorities were equally concerned about the security implications surrounding President Ramaphosa’s proposed visit given the prevailing tensions.
According to the source, Ghana has formally communicated its concerns to the South African government and urged it to take decisive action to curb the xenophobic attacks and ensure the safety of Ghanaian nationals before any future state visit can be considered.
Despite the decision, the source stressed that diplomatic relations between Ghana and South Africa remain strong, with both countries committed to preserving their longstanding bilateral partnership.
