The Ghanaian government has reportedly declined a request for a state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as diplomatic tensions grow over a recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians and other African migrants in South Africa.
The situation intensified after the reported killing of a 40-year-old Ghanaian, Bashiru Isak, during demonstrations by anti-migrant groups on June 30, 2026.
A South African diplomatic source reportedly said Ghana was deeply concerned about the safety and dignity of its citizens and could not justify hosting a high-profile state visit under the current circumstances.
Ghanaian officials were also said to have expressed concerns about President Ramaphosa's own safety, fearing that rising public anger over the attacks could trigger a hostile reaction during any official visit.
"The government's position on the protection of Ghanaians abroad is non-negotiable," one source was quoted as saying, adding that proceeding with the visit could worsen tensions between the two countries.
However, the South African government has disputed Ghana's account of the incident, insisting that no deaths were recorded during the June 30 demonstrations.
South Africa's Justice Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, described Ghana's claims as "factually incorrect" and warned that such statements risk damaging South Africa's international reputation.
"It is concerning that Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration," Kubayi said.
She added that portraying South Africa as a xenophobic nation was "unacceptable" and urged authorities to avoid spreading what she described as misleading information.
The diplomatic dispute has reignited concerns over the safety of African migrants living in South Africa, with Ghana calling for stronger measures to protect its citizens and prevent further attacks.
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