Ghana declines Cyril Ramaphosa visit over xenophobic attacks

The Government of Ghana has declined a planned state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing concerns over the killing of a Ghanaian national and reports of renewed attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.

The decision comes amid growing diplomatic tensions between the two countries following the death of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak, whom Ghanaian authorities say was killed during demonstrations linked to alleged xenophobic attacks in South Africa on June 30, 2026.

The planned visit, which was expected to take place during the first week of August, has now been put on hold as both governments engage over the circumstances surrounding the incident and the safety of Ghanaians residing in South Africa.

Government sources say the decision to postpone the high-level diplomatic engagement was taken against the backdrop of increasing concerns about the security of Ghanaian nationals living in South Africa.

The visit had been expected to provide an opportunity for Presidents John Dramani Mahama and Cyril Ramaphosa to strengthen bilateral relations, deepen economic cooperation and discuss issues of mutual interest.

However, Ghanaian authorities believe the reported attacks on foreign nationals and the death of Bashiru Isak require urgent attention before such a state visit can proceed.

Officials say Ghana has formally conveyed its concerns to the South African government and is seeking assurances that adequate measures will be taken to safeguard the lives and property of Ghanaians living in the country.

According to Ghanaian officials, Bashiru Isak was shot and killed during what they described as anti-immigrant demonstrations in Khayelitsha, a township in Cape Town, where protests were reportedly linked to renewed hostility toward foreign nationals.

The Government of Ghana has lodged a formal protest with South African authorities over the incident while calling for a thorough investigation and stronger protection for Ghanaian citizens.

Officials have also expressed concern over broader reports of violence and intimidation directed at foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.

South African authorities have strongly disputed Ghana's version of events.

According to the South African government, the claims surrounding Bashiru Isak's death and the alleged circumstances under which it occurred are inaccurate.

Officials insist that no deaths were recorded during the June 30 demonstrations, which drew thousands of protesters in several parts of the country.

South Africa's Minister of Justice, Mmamoloko Kubayi, criticised Ghana's description of the incident, arguing that it misrepresented developments on the ground.

"It is concerning that Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration," she said.

"The spread of false information to perpetuate the false narrative that South Africa is xenophobic is unacceptable," the minister added.

The differing accounts of the incident have introduced an unexpected strain into what has traditionally been a strong relationship between Ghana and South Africa.

The two countries have maintained close diplomatic ties for decades, cooperating in areas including:

• Trade and investment.
• Regional security.
• African Union initiatives.
• Diplomacy and governance.
• Education and cultural exchange.

The postponement of President Ramaphosa's proposed visit is viewed as one of the most significant diplomatic developments between the two nations in recent years.

The incident has once again brought international attention to concerns about the safety of foreign nationals living in South Africa.

Over the years, sporadic outbreaks of violence targeting migrants and foreign-owned businesses have prompted criticism from several African governments and human rights organisations.

Ghana has reiterated its commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and has called for stronger measures to prevent attacks on foreign nationals and ensure those responsible for acts of violence are held accountable.

Despite the current diplomatic disagreement, officials from both countries are expected to continue diplomatic engagements aimed at clarifying the circumstances surrounding Bashiru Isak's death and preserving the longstanding relationship between Ghana and South Africa.

Observers believe the outcome of ongoing discussions and any investigations into the incident could influence the timing of President Ramaphosa's future visit and shape the next phase of bilateral cooperation between the two African nations.