The Ghanaian government has postponed a planned visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following recent anti-migrant tensions in South Africa that affected several foreign nationals, including Ghanaians.
The decision comes after reports of assaults on Africans by groups targeting undocumented migrants in South Africa. In response, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Ablakwa, summoned South Africa’s acting high commissioner, Thando Dalamba, to express Ghana’s strong concern over the reported intimidation and harassment of foreign nationals.
Ghana also began repatriating some of its citizens from South Africa in the aftermath of the incidents.
Reports had suggested Ghana rejected a planned state visit by Ramaphosa as a diplomatic protest. However, Government Communications Minister Felix Ofosu clarified that the trip had not been cancelled but deferred by mutual understanding.
Speaking to Joy FM, Ofosu said the visit had been scheduled for early August 2026, well before the recent attacks occurred.
According to him, Ghana informed South Africa through diplomatic channels that postponing the visit would allow both countries to address the current tensions first, preventing them from overshadowing broader bilateral discussions.
“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,” Ofosu said.
Meanwhile, South African presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya denied reports that Ramaphosa had requested a state visit. He explained that South Africa had only sought confirmation from Ghana on arrangements for the third session of the Bi-National Commission, which both presidents were expected to co-chair.
Despite the postponement, Ghana said it remains committed to maintaining cordial diplomatic relations with South Africa.
