Ghana Suspends President Ramaphosa’s Intended Visit Amid Rising Xenophobia
Ghans government has postponed a visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa that was due to take place in the first week of August. The intended trip, described by some as a state visit, was meant to ease diplomatic friction between the two African neighbours.
Ghana spokesman Felix Kwakye Ofosu told the BBC that the appearance of President Ramaphosa would risk mass protests in the country. He said the decision was made “in view of the present climate around xenophobia.”
South Africa has framed the trip as a bilateral meeting rather than a state visit, with spokesman Vincent Magwenya stating they will keep engaging through diplomatic channels to find a future date that suits both sides.
The decision follows a spike in xenophobic rallies in Ghana. Over 900 Ghanaian nationals have already been repatriated from South Africa, and the last batch is expected to return in coming weeks. The protests erupted after a video surfaced of a Ghanaian migrant in Cape Town being asked to “fix his country” and after allegations of a Ghanaian victim’s death in the city.
The dispute extends to the validity of Ghanaian citizens’ residency papers in South Africa. While Accra claims most Ghanaians in the country hold proper documentation, Pretoria disputes the assertion and cites inconsistencies in evidence.
In May Ghana petitioned the African Union to launch a fact‑finding mission into the surge of xenophobic attacks. The African Continental Free Trade Area agreement obliges member states to protect foreign nationals within its borders, a principle Ghana says is being violated.
Analysts warn that a continued lack of resolution could isolate South Africa on the continent and erode support earned during the anti‑apartheid struggle. Both governments stated that they intend to reach an agreement on a new, mutually convenient date for the visit, hoping to restore diplomatic stability.
