By Zobia Zulfqar 
The Government of Ghana has reportedly declined a request for a state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing growing concerns over recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa and the safety of Ghanaian citizens living there.
According to diplomatic sources in Accra and Pretoria, the decision followed weeks of anti-foreigner violence that has affected several African migrants, including Ghanaians. The planned visit, which was expected to take place in August, has been postponed until the security situation improves.
Reports indicate that approximately 1,000 Ghanaians have already been repatriated from South Africa, while another 900 have registered to return home following the unrest.
The issue intensified after the reported death of a Ghanaian national during the period of anti-immigrant demonstrations.
Ghana initially stated that the victim was killed during the xenophobic protests on June 30, prompting strong condemnation from the government and calls for greater protection of Ghanaian nationals living in South Africa.
However, South African authorities rejected that account, insisting the victim was shot a day earlier, on June 29, during what police described as an extortion-related incident at a barbershop in Nyanga, Cape Town.
According to South African officials, the shooting was unrelated to the nationwide anti-immigration protests.
The differing accounts have led to diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
South African authorities reportedly described Ghana’s earlier statements linking the death to the protests as factually inaccurate, while Ghana has continued to demand stronger protection for its citizens abroad.
Sources familiar with the discussions said Ghana’s decision to postpone President Ramaphosa’s visit was driven primarily by concerns for the safety and dignity of Ghanaians currently residing in South Africa.
A diplomatic source indicated that the current environment would not be appropriate for a high-level state visit while many Ghanaian nationals remain concerned about their security.
Another Ghanaian source reportedly stated that the government also considered the security implications surrounding the South African President’s visit, noting that emotions remain high following the attacks.
Officials feared the prevailing tensions could create an uncomfortable atmosphere during the visit and preferred to delay the engagement until the situation stabilises.
According to the sources, Ghana has communicated its position directly to the South African government and urged authorities to take concrete steps to address attacks targeting foreign nationals and guarantee the safety of Ghanaians living in the country.
The government reportedly considers the protection of its citizens abroad a priority and believes meaningful action should precede any high-level diplomatic engagement.
Despite the disagreement, officials emphasised that relations between Ghana and South Africa remain cordial.
Both countries continue to maintain long-standing diplomatic, economic and political ties and are expected to continue engaging through existing bilateral and continental platforms.
The latest developments come amid renewed debate over xenophobic violence in South Africa and its impact on migrants from other African countries.
Observers say restoring confidence among affected communities and strengthening protections for foreign nationals will be essential to easing diplomatic tensions and preserving the strong relationship between the two nations.