The Government of Ghana has declined a proposed state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing concerns over the reported killing of a Ghanaian citizen and alleged xenophobic attacks against Ghanaians living in South Africa.
The decision follows the death of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak, whom Ghanaian authorities say was killed during protests linked to renewed violence against foreign nationals on June 30, 2026.
Government sources say the planned visit was rejected because of growing concerns about the safety of Ghanaians in South Africa and the need for stronger action to address reported attacks on foreign nationals.
President Ramaphosa was expected to visit Ghana during the first week of August to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss issues of mutual interest, including the safety of foreign nationals.
However, Ghana says the current situation must be addressed before such a high-level diplomatic engagement can take place.
Ghana has also lodged a formal protest with the South African government over Mr. Isak’s death and the broader security of Ghanaian citizens living in the country.
According to Ghanaian officials, Mr. Isak was shot and killed during what they described as anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.
South African authorities, however, have rejected Ghana’s account, describing the claims as inaccurate and not supported by the facts.
They maintain that no deaths were recorded during the June 30 demonstrations, which attracted thousands of protesters across different parts of the country.
South Africa’s Justice Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, said Ghana’s version of events was misleading and could damage South Africa’s international reputation.
“It is concerning that Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration,” she said in a statement.
“The spread of false information to perpetuate the false narrative that South Africa is xenophobic is unacceptable,” she added.
The incident has renewed debate over the safety of African migrants in South Africa, with Ghana calling for stronger protections for its citizens abroad and measures to prevent further attacks.
Ghana and South Africa have long enjoyed strong diplomatic ties, cooperating in areas such as trade, investment, diplomacy, and regional affairs.
However, the latest dispute has strained relations as both governments continue to disagree over the circumstances surrounding Mr. Isak’s death.
