A diplomatic spat has emerged between South Africa and Ghana following the conflicting reports regarding a proposed state visit by South African President
Cyril Ramaphosa to Ghana.
While Ghana asserts it declined a visit due to escalating xenophobic attacks against its citizens in South Africa, Pretoria’s Presidency has vehemently denied that any such visit was ever requested.
According to reports from Ghanaian media outlets, including Africanews and Graphic Online, Ghana formally rejected a state visit request from President Ramaphosa.
Diplomatic sources in Accra and Pretoria cited by these publications indicate that Ghana’s decision stems from profound concerns over the safety and dignity of its nationals residing in South Africa.
A surge in anti-foreigner violence has reportedly led to the repatriation of
approximately 1,000 Ghanaians, with an additional 900 registering for return.
The situation was further exacerbated by the death of a Ghanaian national on June 30 during demonstrations by xenophobic groups targeting African migrants.
Ghanaian officials expressed fears that President Ramaphosa’s presence could provoke a hostile public reaction given the heightened anti-migrant sentiment.
They emphasized that the government’s stance on protecting its citizens abroad is non-negotiable, and a visit under current circumstances could be detrimental to both leaders.
Ghana has reportedly communicated to South Africa that concrete action to
halt the attacks and guarantees for the safety of Ghanaian nationals are prerequisites for any future state visit.
Despite this, Ghanaian sources maintain that the broader relationship between the two nations remains cordial, viewing the current situation as a temporary pause driven by security concerns rather than a rupture in ties.
In stark contrast, the South African Presidency has dismissed these reports. The spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stated that there was no planned visit by President Ramaphosa to Ghana, directly refuting the claims circulating in West African media.
This denial suggests a significant disconnect in communication or understanding between the two nations regarding the proposed visit and the underlying reasons for its alleged rejection.