Ghana has rejected South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s request for a state visit amid concerns over reported xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaian nationals and other African migrants in South Africa.
The decision follows growing concerns over the safety of Ghanaians living in South Africa, including a dispute between both governments over the death of Ghanaian national Bashiru Isak during demonstrations linked to anti-immigrant protests on June 30, 2026.
This story falls under News
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more interesting and relevant news
Why Ghana rejected Ramaphosa’s state visit request
Diplomatic and government sources said Ghana communicated its concerns to South African authorities before deciding that President Ramaphosa’s proposed state visit should not proceed under the current circumstances.
The South African leader was expected to visit Ghana in the first week of August for high-level discussions aimed at deepening cooperation between the two countries.
However, Ghanaian officials reportedly raised concerns about the treatment of Ghanaian nationals in South Africa and called for stronger measures to protect citizens affected by reported attacks.
Sources familiar with the matter said Ghana considered the current public mood and possible security concerns surrounding the visit before taking the decision.
The move reflects growing pressure on African governments to respond more firmly when their citizens face violence or discrimination abroad.
Dispute over Ghanaian national’s death
The diplomatic disagreement intensified after the death of 40-year-old Ghanaian national Bashiru Isak, who Ghanaian authorities say was killed during demonstrations linked to renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Ghanaian officials said Mr Isak was shot in Cape Town’s Khayelitsha township during what they described as anti-immigrant protests.
South African authorities have disputed Ghana’s account, insisting that claims linking the death to the June 30 demonstrations were inaccurate.
South Africa’s Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi criticised Ghana’s description of the incident, saying it risked creating a negative impression of South Africa.
The South African government said no deaths were recorded during the protests and rejected claims that the incident reflected a state of widespread xenophobia.
Ghana-South Africa relations face new challenge
Despite the disagreement, both Ghana and South Africa have maintained that their broader diplomatic relationship remains important.
The two countries have historically cooperated in areas including trade, investment, regional diplomacy and economic development.
However, the dispute over attacks against foreign nationals has renewed debate about migrant safety and the responsibility of governments to protect citizens living outside their home countries.
Ghana has formally called on South Africa to address concerns surrounding the safety of Ghanaian nationals before future high-level engagements are considered.
Related reads
Ghanaian Killed In South Africa As Julius Malema Says It’s “Gangsterism Sponsored By Government
South Africa Xenophobia Impact: Justice Minister Warns of Economic Damage as Artists Lose Gigs
Explore more:
News | Business | Entertainment | Lifestyle | Sports
