Ghana Asks Ramaphosa to Delay Visit Amid Xenophobic Violence
Ghana has allegedly requested that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delay his planned visit for August, following recent anti-immigrant demonstrations in South Africa that led to the death of a Ghanaian citizen.
Sources familiar with the situation, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated that Ghana communicated to Pretoria its preference to postpone the trip due to the escalating xenophobic sentiments in the nation.
A representative from Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment, noting that the presidency would provide a formal statement on the issue.
There appears to be some confusion surrounding the request from the Ghanaian president, with the SABC and other news outlets clarifying that Ramaphosa had not planned a state visit to Ghana.
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WATCH | The Presidency has dismissed reports that President Cyril Ramaphosa requested a state visit to Ghana. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says there was no planned visit, responding to media reports circulating in West Africa. pic.twitter.com/xTzBuwMFJZ
— SABC News (@SABCNews) July 7, 2026
Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for the South African presidency, clarified that the inquiry to Ghana pertained to the scheduling of a Bi-National Commission (BNC) meeting, which is to be co-chaired by both presidents.
The BNC oversees bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Ghana, and it was Ghana’s turn to host the meetings, according to Magwenya.
He added that the two countries would continue diplomatic discussions to establish a mutually convenient date for the upcoming session of the commission.
In recent months, protests against undocumented migrants have intensified in South Africa, with thousands rallying on June 30 to call for their removal from the country.
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Ghana urges AU to investigate xenophobic attacks in SA
Nigeria criticizes SA over attacks on its citizens
At least six African nations have repatriated their citizens from South Africa due to fears of xenophobic assaults targeting migrants perceived by protesters as competitors for economic resources.
According to the foreign ministry, a Ghanaian national was shot and killed in Cape Town during the protests on June 30. Ghana condemned this act and lodged a complaint with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, as well as with law enforcement authorities.
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