•••EFF Leader, Julius Malema Hails Decision
Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Ghana has declined a planned state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing heightened public concerns over recent anti-migrant protests in South Africa that have strained relations between the two countries.
The visit, which had been scheduled for the first week of August, was expected to provide an opportunity for both nations to ease growing diplomatic tensions.
However, Ghanaian authorities said the current atmosphere made the trip inappropriate at this time.
Explaining the decision, Ghana’s government spokesman, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said Accra formally communicated its position to Pretoria.
“We sent them a communication indicating that it would be best to defer the visit in view of the present climate around xenophobia,” he told the BBC.
The diplomatic strain follows a wave of anti-foreigner demonstrations in South Africa that triggered the return of hundreds of Ghanaian nationals.
Ghana has already repatriated more than 900 citizens, while additional groups are expected to return in the coming weeks.
Other African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya and Malawi, have also evacuated nationals amid the unrest.
Tensions intensified after a video circulated online showing a Ghanaian resident in South Africa, Emmanuel Asamoah, being confronted and told to “go fix his country.”
The situation was further aggravated by disputes over reports surrounding the death of a Ghanaian national during anti-immigration protests.
While Ghanaian officials linked the death of Bahiru Isak, 40, to the demonstrations, South African authorities rejected the claim, insisting the reported victim was another Ghanaian citizen whose death was unrelated to the protests.
Responding to Ghana’s decision, South Africa said it remained committed to maintaining strong relations with Accra. Presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya described both countries as “two sister nations” and said diplomatic engagements would continue.
“The two countries will continue to engage through diplomatic channels to identify a mutually convenient date,” he said.
President Ramaphosa has previously defended the right of citizens to protest peacefully while also pledging further efforts to address irregular migration.
The disagreement comes months after Ghana petitioned the African Union over recurring xenophobic incidents in South Africa, urging the continental body to investigate attacks on foreign nationals and take steps to prevent further escalation.
Despite the decision to decline the visit, Ghanaian officials stressed that bilateral relations remain intact and that both countries will continue diplomatic engagement through established channels.
South African Politician and founder of the Economic Freedom Fighters in South Africa, Mr Julius Malema hailed the decision of the Ghanaian government to prevent the visit.
Malema who had condemned the recent xenophobic attacks in strong terms said that Africa unity must be established on mutual respect.
“Ghana has rejected South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit amid concerns over xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians and other Africans.
“The Ghanaian government’s decision is justified. African unity requires mutual respect and protection of lives, not selective solidarity.” He said in a post on facebook.
