Ghana has postponed indefinitely the official visit of South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, a move that underscores the deepening diplomatic crisis between the two African nations following a wave of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals. The cancellation, announced by Ghanaian government officials, comes as tensions rise over repatriation efforts, alleged human rights abuses, and conflicting narratives surrounding the treatment of Ghanaians and other African migrants in South Africa.
A Visit Cancelled Amid Growing Public Outcry
Originally scheduled for the first week of August, Ramaphosa’s state visit to Ghana was intended to strengthen bilateral relations and foster regional cooperation. However, Ghanaian authorities, including government spokesman Felix Kwakye Ofosu, cited rising xenophobic sentiment as the primary reason for the postponement. In a statement to the BBC, Ofosu emphasized that the current climate—marked by anti-immigrant protests, violent attacks, and mass deportations—made the visit politically untenable.
“We sent them a communication indicating that it would be best to defer the visit in view of the present climate around xenophobia,” Ofosu stated. “The timing is not conducive to fostering the kind of diplomatic engagement we seek.”
South Africa, meanwhile, has downplayed the severity of the crisis, with presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya reaffirming the country’s commitment to “deepening cooperation” with Ghana. Magwenya clarified that the visit was not a state visit but rather the third in a series of bilateral meetings, suggesting that diplomatic relations would continue through formal channels.
“The two countries will continue to engage through diplomatic channels to identify a mutually convenient date,” Magwenya assured, adding that South Africa remains dedicated to “advancing the African Agenda”—a reference to the continent’s economic and political integration efforts.
Mass Repatriations and Humanitarian Crisis
The diplomatic row escalated following widespread xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which have forced thousands of African migrants—including Ghanaians—to flee the country. Ghana has already repatriated over 900 of its citizens, with additional batches expected in the coming weeks. The government has described the situation as a humanitarian emergency, urging South African authorities to halt the violence and ensure the safety of foreign nationals.
The crisis is not isolated to Ghana; Nigeria, Malawi, Kenya, and other African nations have also repatriated hundreds of their citizens amid similar protests. In June, South African authorities gave undocumented migrants a 30-day deadline to leave the country, leading to the deportation of approximately 25,000 people—many of whom were lawfully residing in the country.
A Ghanaian man holds a sign during a protest in Accra, Ghana, demanding the government take action against xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Allegations of Violence and Government Denials
The diplomatic rift deepened after Ghana accused South Africa of failing to protect its citizens, particularly following the alleged killing of Bahiru Isak, a 40-year-old Ghanaian man who was reportedly stabbed to death in Cape Town’s Khayelitsha suburb during anti-immigration protests on 30 June.
Ghanaian officials condemned the incident, calling it a deliberate attack on African migrants and demanding justice. However, South African authorities vehemently denied the killing, stating that no Ghanaian was murdered in connection with the protests. Instead, they acknowledged the death of Kwabena Boagen, a 35-year-old Ghanaian man whose passing, they claimed, was not linked to the violence.
South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, accused Ghana of spreading false information, asserting that the government was misrepresenting the situation to politicize the issue. “We are concerned about the false information being spread about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration,” Lamola stated in a press briefing.
South African police officers patrol a protest zone in Johannesburg, where anti-immigrant sentiment has led to violent clashes.
Legal and Policy Disputes: Residency Papers and Migration Laws
At the heart of the dispute lies a legal and administrative disagreement over the status of African migrants in South Africa. Ghana has challenged South Africa’s claims that most of its nationals are illegally residing in the country without proper documentation. Conversely, South African officials argue that many migrants lack valid residency permits, citing loopholes in visa regulations as a contributing factor to the crisis.
Neither country has provided concrete evidence to substantiate their claims, leaving the debate mired in speculation and political rhetoric. Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the African Union (AU) to intervene, requesting a fact-finding mission to investigate the systematic attacks on foreigners—which it argues violate the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
Historical Context: Xenophobia in South Africa
Xenophobic violence is not a new phenomenon in South Africa, with foreign nationals—particularly from sub-Saharan Africa—frequently blamed for unemployment, crime, and economic instability. However, many African migrants remind South Africans of the solidarity they received during the anti-apartheid struggle, when pan-African support played a crucial role in the country’s transition to democracy.
Analysts warn that continued xenophobic outbreaks could isolate South Africa on the continent, damaging its regional reputation and economic partnerships. The African Union has condemned the violence, calling for urgent measures to protect foreign nationals and address the root causes of anti-immigration sentiment.
A group of African migrants waits at a repatriation center in Accra, Ghana, after being deported from South Africa.
Ramaphosa’s Response: Protests Are a Right, But Solutions Are Needed
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the right to protest but has criticized the violence that has accompanied recent demonstrations. In a nationwide address, he pledged to strengthen migration policies and enhance law enforcement to prevent further attacks.
“South Africa remains committed to upholding the rights of all its residents, regardless of nationality,” Ramaphosa stated. “However, we must also address the legitimate concerns of our citizens regarding irregular migration and its impact on our society.”
Regional Fallout and Future Prospects
The Ghana-South Africa diplomatic crisis highlights broader challenges facing African nations in managing migration, economic integration, and inter-state relations. While both countries have expressed willingness to resolve the dispute through dialogue, the trust deficit remains significant.
Ghana’s decision to postpone Ramaphosa’s visit sends a strong signal to South Africa that diplomatic relations cannot proceed normally until concrete actions are taken to protect African migrants and halt xenophobic violence. Meanwhile, the African Union’s role in mediating the conflict will be critical in determining whether this escalating crisis can be de-escalated before it further strains continental unity.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the nation on measures to combat xenophobic violence.
African Union flags fly outside the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as the organization considers intervening in the Ghana-South Africa dispute.
A protester holds a sign reading “No to Xenophobia” during a demonstration in Johannesburg, South Africa.
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