Accra, Ghana (Running Africa) — Ghana has postponed a planned August state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as diplomatic tensions escalate over anti-migrant protests and allegations of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Ghanaian authorities said the visit was deferred amid growing public concern over attacks targeting foreign nationals and increasing opposition to Ramaphosa’s visit while questions remain over the safety of African migrants living in South Africa.
The diplomatic strain follows a wave of anti-immigration protests that prompted the repatriation of hundreds of Ghanaian nationals and thousands of other African migrants, as fears over xenophobic violence spread across affected communities.
Relations between the two countries have also been tested by conflicting accounts surrounding the death of a Ghanaian citizen during the unrest, as well as disagreements over the legal status and treatment of Ghanaian residents in South Africa.
In May, Ghana formally petitioned the African Union to investigate recurring xenophobic attacks, arguing that violence against African migrants undermines the continent’s broader goals of regional integration and free movement under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
South African officials have rejected claims of widespread xenophobic violence, maintaining that law enforcement agencies continue to respond to criminal incidents while reaffirming the country’s commitment to protecting all people within its borders.
Pretoria also indicated that diplomatic engagement between the two governments remains ongoing and that discussions will continue to identify a mutually agreeable date for President Ramaphosa’s postponed visit.
The latest diplomatic dispute underscores the persistent challenges surrounding migration, unemployment and social tensions in South Africa, where some groups have increasingly blamed foreign nationals for economic hardship, pressure on public services and crime.
The postponement also highlights the delicate balance African governments face as they seek to strengthen regional cooperation and economic integration while addressing recurring concerns over the safety and treatment of migrants across the continent.
