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The Government of Ghana has declined a planned state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following concerns over the reported killing of a Ghanaian national and alleged xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa.
The decision comes after the death of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak, whom Ghanaian authorities say was killed during demonstrations linked to renewed anti-immigrant violence on June 30, 2026.
Government sources say the move reflects growing concerns about the safety and security of Ghanaians living in South Africa, as well as the need for urgent action to address reported attacks targeting foreign nationals.
President Ramaphosa had been expected to visit Ghana in the first week of August for talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and discussing issues of mutual interest, including the safety of foreign nationals. However, Ghanaian authorities say the current circumstances must be addressed before such a high-level diplomatic engagement can proceed.
The Government of Ghana has also lodged a formal protest with South African authorities over Mr Isak’s death and broader concerns about the welfare of Ghanaians residing in the country.
According to Ghanaian officials, Mr Isak was fatally shot during what they described as anti-immigrant demonstrations in Cape Town’s Khayelitsha township.
South African authorities, however, have rejected Ghana’s account of the incident, describing the claims as “factually incorrect” and insisting they are not supported by available evidence.
The South African government maintains that no deaths were recorded during the June 30 demonstrations, which drew thousands of protesters in several parts of the country.
South Africa’s Justice Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, criticised Ghana’s description of the incident, arguing that it misrepresented developments in the country and risked damaging South Africa’s international reputation.
“It is concerning that Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration,” she said in a statement.
“The spread of false information to perpetuate the false narrative that South Africa is xenophobic is unacceptable,” the minister added.
The incident has renewed debate over the safety of African migrants living in South Africa, with Ghana urging stronger measures to protect its citizens and prevent further attacks.
Ghana and South Africa have long enjoyed cordial diplomatic relations, underpinned by cooperation in trade, investment, regional integration and diplomacy. However, the latest dispute has introduced fresh tensions into the relationship as both governments seek to resolve the differing accounts surrounding the incident.