Ghana Advises South African President Ramaphosa to Postpone Visit Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions

The Government of Ghana has advised South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to postpone his planned state visit to Ghana, citing growing security concerns linked to recent anti-immigration protests and rising diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

President Ramaphosa was expected to visit Ghana during the first week of August as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. However, Ghanaian authorities said the current atmosphere could trigger public protests during the visit.

Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu said Ghana had officially informed South Africa that postponing the trip would be the most appropriate decision under the present circumstances.

The tensions stem from reports surrounding the death of a Ghanaian national during anti-immigration protests in South Africa in late June. Ghana's Foreign Affairs Ministry alleged that 40-year-old Bahiru Isak was killed during the demonstrations in Cape Town.

South African authorities, however, rejected the allegation, insisting the claim was false. Police said the deceased was involved in a separate robbery incident that occurred before the nationwide anti-immigration protests and was not connected to xenophobic violence.

The incident has further strained relations between the two countries, with Ghana expressing concern over attacks, looting, and harassment targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa. Nigeria, Malawi, and other African countries have also raised concerns about the safety of their citizens.

Ghana has already repatriated more than 900 of its citizens from South Africa, with additional returnees expected in the coming weeks. Nigeria has also evacuated some of its nationals following the unrest.

Meanwhile, Ghana has urged the African Union to investigate the reported attacks on foreign nationals and take steps to address growing xenophobia, warning that continued violence could undermine regional cooperation and the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Analysts warn that unless South Africa takes stronger measures to curb anti-immigrant violence and restore confidence among African nations, the country risks increasing diplomatic isolation across the continent.

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