Ghana defers Ramaphosa’s visit over anti-migrant attacks in South Africa

 Ghana has postponed a visit by Cyril Ramaphosa, president of
South Africa, following the recent anti-migrant tensions in the former
apartheid country.

 

Some Ghanaians were among Africans who had been assaulted by
a group of South Africans targeting undocumented migrants.

Samuel Ablakwa, Ghana’s foreign affairs minister, summoned
Thando Dalamba, South African acting high commissioner in the country, to
express Ghana’s “strong concern” over the reported intimidation and harassment
of foreign nationals.

Weeks later, the Ghanaian government began repatriating its
citizens from the country.

On Tuesday, there were reports that Ghana rejected a planned
state visit from Ramaphosa. The reports alleged that the measure was taken as a
diplomatic freeze in bilateral relations between both countries to stress
Ghana’s displeasure over the attack on its citizens in South Africa.

However, Felix Ofosu, minister for government
communications, said the visit was not a rejection of South Africa’s diplomatic
overtures but a mutual recognition that the current tensions could overshadow
the important issues both countries intended to discuss.

“Let me indicate that this is a visit that had been planned
well in advance of the outbreak of the recent xenophobic attacks. Indeed, it
was slated to take place in early August 2026, but given the outbreak of these
attacks and all the issues that have arisen therefrom, we sent a diplomatic
communication to the South African government that we believe it is best to
defer the visit until such a time when these matters have been resolved, and
there is relative calm,” he said in an interview with Joy FM, Ghanaian
broadcaster.

“Given the nature of the recent attacks, there is a
likelihood that they will overshadow the very important issues that would have
to be discussed during such a visit. So we believe that when matters settle,
and the issue of xenophobic attacks no longer hangs over such discussions, it
will then be appropriate to have the visit.”

Vincent Magwenya, South African presidential spokesperson,
dismissed claims that Ramaphosa had requested a state visit.

Magwenya said South Africa had instead sought confirmation
from Ghana regarding arrangements for the third session of the Bi-National
Commission, which was to be co-chaired by both presidents.

Ghana has said it continues to maintain cordial relations
with South Africa.

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