Ghana has turned down a request for a state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing growing concerns over the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians and other African migrants in South Africa.
Sources at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs say the decision comes after a surge in anti-foreigner violence in parts of South Africa, which has forced the repatriation of about 1,000 Ghanaians. An additional 900 Ghanaians have reportedly registered to return home as fears over their safety continue to mount.
The situation worsened on June 30, when xenophobic groups staged demonstrations against African migrants. During the unrest, one Ghanaian was reportedly killed, further heightening tensions between the two countries.
A source at Ghana’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the government decided with the safety of its citizens as its foremost concern.
According to the source, the government also considered the security implications surrounding a possible visit by President Ramaphosa, warning that the current climate could expose him to the risk of reprisals and create unnecessary diplomatic tensions.
“The protection of Ghanaians abroad is non-negotiable,” the source said, adding that hosting the South African leader while attacks on Ghanaians persist would send the wrong message and could provoke undesirable reactions.
The source disclosed that Ghana has formally communicated its position to the South African government, urging authorities in Pretoria to take concrete measures to end the xenophobic attacks and guarantee the safety of Ghanaian nationals.
Officials maintain that meaningful action to protect foreign nationals in South Africa will be a key condition before any future state visit by President Ramaphosa is considered.
