Ghana’s government has unambiguously rejected South Africa’s request for a state visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing rising xenophobia and Afrophobia in the neighbouring country. The decision, announced by Ghanaian authorities, follows a series of violent incidents targeting foreign nationals, including the murder of a Ghanaian citizen, 40-year-old Bashiru Isak, in Cape Town’s Khayelitsha township. The rejection underscores Ghana’s growing discontent with the escalating anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa, which has strained long-standing diplomatic ties between the two nations.
A Formal Protest Over a Fatal Incident
The Ghanaian government has officially lodged a protest with South Africa over Isak’s killing, describing it as a direct consequence of the xenophobic attacks sweeping the country. However, South African authorities have vehemently dismissed Ghana’s claims, insisting that the incident was not linked to anti-immigrant violence. In a statement, South African police alleged that Isak’s death was extortion-related, contradicting Ghana’s account of the timeline and circumstances.
According to South African police reports, a 35-year-old Ghanaian man (whose name differs from the one provided by Ghanaian authorities) was allegedly shot at a barbershop on a Monday, not a Tuesday as claimed by Ghana. The discrepancy has further deepened distrust between the two governments, with Ghana’s Foreign Ministry firmly standing by its initial statement.
Travel Advisory and Repatriation Efforts
The escalating tensions have prompted Ghana to take practical measures to protect its citizens. On July 6, 2026, the University of Ghana issued a travel advisory, urging staff and students to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa due to the heightened risk of anti-immigrant attacks. Additionally, Ghana has voluntarily repatriated approximately 926 citizens from South Africa between May and June 2026, with another 900 individuals currently undergoing screening for further evacuation.
These actions reflect Ghana’s growing concern over the safety of its nationals, particularly as xenophobic violence continues to escalate in South Africa.
Historical Ties and Diplomatic Shifts
Ghana and South Africa have long shared deep historical and diplomatic bonds, rooted in their shared struggles against colonialism and apartheid. Ghana, as one of Africa’s first independent nations, played a pivotal role in supporting South African anti-apartheid activists during the 1950s and 1960s.
- Alfred Hutchinson, a prominent ANC leader and writer, fled to Ghana in 1958 after being acquitted on treason charges in South Africa. Ghana, then a newly independent nation, provided him refuge, and he later became a key figure in the Accra Freedom Fighter community.
- Peter Molotsi, another South African activist, described Ghana as “the Mecca of Pan-Africanism” upon arriving in 1960, highlighting the country’s significance as a safe haven for exiled freedom fighters.
- Under Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana established the Ghanaian Bureau of African Affairs (BAA), which actively supported African liberation movements, including those in South Africa.
The Accra Freedom Fighter community became a symbol of solidarity, housing hundreds of exiled activists, including members of the ANC and Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC). Many of these figures later returned to South Africa to continue their fight against apartheid.
A Diplomatic Snub: The Excluded High Commissioner
The strained relations were further evident in June 2026, when Linda Shongwe, South Africa’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Ghana, was not among the eight ambassadors presenting their credentials to President John Mahama. Sources close to the matter revealed that her letters of credence were not accepted, raising questions about the current state of diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.
The Root of the Crisis: Xenophobia and Its Consequences
South Africa’s xenophobic attacks have worsened in recent years, with foreign nationals—particularly from Nigeria, Ghana, and other African countries—facing violence, arson, and looting. The 2024 xenophobic riots left dozens dead and thousands displaced, prompting Ghana to condemn the violence and call for accountability.
The killing of Bashiru Isak—a Ghanaian national—has become a symbol of the broader crisis, as authorities in both countries clash over the truth behind his death. While Ghana insists the incident was motivated by anti-immigrant sentiment, South Africa’s police refuse to acknowledge a direct link, instead attributing the killing to criminal activity.
This discrepancy in narratives has further strained bilateral relations, with Ghana now prioritising the safety of its citizens over diplomatic courtesies.
Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for Ghana-South Africa Relations?
The rejection of Ramaphosa’s state visit signals a major shift in Ghana’s approach to its relations with South Africa. While the two nations have historically been allies, the escalation of xenophobia has forced Ghana to reassess its diplomatic stance.
Key questions remain:
– Will South Africa take meaningful steps to address xenophobia? The government has condemned violence in the past, but enforcement remains inconsistent.
– How will Ghana respond to future incidents? The repatriation efforts and travel advisories suggest a more assertive stance on citizen protection.
– Could this lead to broader African solidarity? Other nations may follow Ghana’s lead in holding South Africa accountable for its treatment of foreign nationals.
For now, the diplomatic coldness between the two countries is undeniable, with Ghana no longer willing to overlook the human cost of xenophobia in South Africa.
This decision marks a turning point in Ghana’s foreign policy, prioritising the safety and dignity of its citizens over traditional diplomatic obligations.