The Government of Ghana has declined a planned state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing mounting concerns over the killing of a Ghanaian national and reports of xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians in South Africa.
The decision comes in the aftermath of the death of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak, who Ghanaian authorities say was killed during demonstrations linked to renewed violence against foreign nationals in South Africa on June 30, 2026. Officials in Accra indicated that the move was necessary due to growing fears for the safety of Ghanaians living in South Africa and the urgent need to address repeated incidents of violence against foreigners.
President Ramaphosa was scheduled to visit Ghana in the first week of August, a visit that was expected to strengthen bilateral ties and facilitate discussions on measures to tackle attacks against foreign nationals. However, Ghana’s government stressed that the current climate demanded attention before any high-level diplomatic engagement could proceed.
Ghana has formally lodged a protest with South African authorities over the death of Mr. Isak and the wider issue of security for Ghanaian nationals in South Africa. According to Ghanaian officials, Mr. Isak was shot and killed during what they described as “anti-immigrant demonstrations” in Cape Town’s Khayelitsha township.
South African authorities, however, have strongly disputed Ghana’s version of events, calling the claims “factually incorrect” and insisting that no deaths were reported during the June 30 protests, which drew thousands of demonstrators across the country. South Africa’s Justice Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, criticised Ghana’s statements as misleading and warned against perpetuating a negative narrative about South Africa.
The diplomatic row has reignited debate over the safety of African nationals in South Africa, with Ghana urging for stronger protections for its citizens abroad and renewed efforts to prevent further attacks. Historically, Ghana and South Africa have enjoyed strong ties in trade, investment, and diplomacy, but the recent dispute has introduced tensions as both countries seek to address the latest incident and its implications for their relationship.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com