Xenophobic Attacks Halt South African President Ramaphosa's Ghana Visit

Accra has reportedly turned down a proposed state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. This diplomatic setback comes amidst escalating tensions following a surge in xenophobic violence targeting Ghanaian citizens and other foreign nationals residing in South Africa. Sources within diplomatic circles in both Accra and Pretoria informed the Daily Graphic about this decision, which coincides with a significant rise in anti-foreigner aggression across various regions of South Africa.

The ongoing unrest has already led to the repatriation of approximately 1,000 Ghanaians, with an additional 900 individuals currently in the process of registering to return home. The situation took a tragic turn on June 30, 2026, when Bashiru Isak, a 40-year-old Ghanaian national, was fatally assaulted during a series of demonstrations orchestrated by groups with xenophobic sentiments against African migrants in South Africa.

According to a South African diplomatic source, the government in Accra expressed profound concern for "the safety and dignity of its citizens," stating it could not justify hosting a high-profile visit "under the current circumstances." Ghanaian officials also cited concerns over President Ramaphosa's personal security. With anti-migrant feelings running high, there were apprehensions that his presence could trigger an adverse public reaction, a risk the Ghanaian government was unwilling to assume. A Ghanaian source affirmed, "The government's position on the protection of Ghanaians abroad is non-negotiable," adding that a visit at this time might "do more harm than good for both leaders."

However, South African authorities have challenged Ghana’s narrative concerning the incident, dismissing claims surrounding the killing as "factually incorrect" and "not based on fact." The South African government maintains that no fatalities were recorded during the June 30 demonstrations, which saw thousands of protesters in different parts of the country. South Africa’s Justice Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, criticized Ghana’s portrayal of the events, calling it misleading and potentially damaging to South Africa’s international image. She was quoted saying, "It is concerning that Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration." Minister Kubayi further stated, "The spread of false information to perpetuate the false narrative that South Africa is xenophobic is unacceptable."

This development has reignited crucial discussions regarding the welfare of African nationals residing in South Africa. Ghana has since reiterated its call for robust measures to safeguard its citizens abroad and prevent any further recurrence of such attacks.