Minority demands clarity on Ghana’s decision to defer Ramaphosa visit amid xenophobic concerns

The Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, has called on the government to provide a comprehensive briefing on recent diplomatic developments between Ghana and South Africa following the reported xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians and other foreign nationals.

The Bosome Freho Member of Parliament said Parliament's Minority Caucus requires more information to properly assess the government's response, particularly the decision to defer a proposed state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Speaking on JoyNews' The Pulse on Tuesday, July 7, Mr. Asafo-Adjei stressed that the limited information currently available makes it difficult for lawmakers to support, critique or propose alternative policy measures regarding Ghana's diplomatic engagement with South Africa.

According to the Deputy Ranking Member, transparency on the matter is essential to enable Parliament to play its oversight role and contribute meaningfully to discussions affecting Ghana's foreign relations.

He said both the Minority Caucus and members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) serving on Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee are seeking greater clarity before taking an official position.

My side of the House, the Minority, both the Minority Caucus and the NPP committee, would want to have more flesh and details, and then we can take a position, or then we can support the position of government or suggest something to government, or proposals to government to consider as we have done since the inception of these South African issues."

Mr. Asafo-Adjei added that the available information remains insufficient for Parliament to make informed recommendations.

We do not have enough information as it stands now."

He urged the government to openly communicate developments surrounding the diplomatic engagements, arguing that broader consultation would help safeguard Ghana's national interests while strengthening confidence in the country's foreign policy decisions.

The Minority's call follows reports that Ghana deferred a proposed state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa amid growing concerns over xenophobic attacks in parts of South Africa.

Diplomatic sources in both Accra and Pretoria indicated that the decision was influenced by recent attacks on foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, which have heightened concerns over the safety of Ghanaian citizens living in South Africa.

The reported violence has led to the repatriation of approximately 1,000 Ghanaians, while hundreds more are reportedly awaiting evacuation as authorities continue efforts to assist affected citizens.

The development has sparked widespread public debate over Ghana's diplomatic response and the protection of its nationals abroad.

Despite the diplomatic concerns, Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu has maintained that relations between Ghana and South Africa remain cordial.

Speaking on Joy FM's Midday News, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said the postponement of President Ramaphosa's proposed visit should not be interpreted as a breakdown in diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Our relations remain cordial, as you have seen. We in Ghana have not done anything to muddy the relationship; we only had to take a step to protect our citizens from the attacks, and so we know that we have made an arrangement to bring a number of them back home, and arrangements are ongoing to bring more back home."

According to him, Ghana's immediate priority has been ensuring the safety and welfare of its citizens affected by the unrest.

While reaffirming Ghana's commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu acknowledged that the government has communicated its dissatisfaction with the recent wave of xenophobic attacks.

He said Ghana believes South African authorities could have taken stronger measures to guarantee the safety of Ghanaians and other foreign nationals residing in the country.

Of course, we have indicated our displeasure about what is happening in South Africa; we hold the view that the South African government could have done more to guarantee the safety and security of Ghanaians in particular and other foreigners in South Africa in general."

Nevertheless, he emphasised that Ghana continues to value its longstanding relationship with South Africa and remains committed to strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

But we continue to hold the South African government and its people in high esteem. And we are willing and able to maintain a healthy relationship that will result in mutual benefits for both countries."

The discussions surrounding the postponed state visit have highlighted the government's efforts to prioritise the safety of Ghanaian citizens living abroad while balancing diplomatic relations with one of Africa's key economic partners.

As evacuations continue and diplomatic engagements progress, Parliament is expected to seek further briefings from the executive to better understand the government's strategy and contribute to shaping Ghana's response to the unfolding situation.