Ghana Sidelines President Ramaphosa’s Visit Amid Anti‑Migrant Turmoil
Accra has postponed a planned August state visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa to Ghana, citing a volatile climate of xenophobic sentiment in South Africa.
The decision follows a series of anti‑foreigner protests that led to the rapid repatriation of more than 900 Ghanaian nationals from South Africa. A viral video of a young Ghanaian, Emmanuel Asamoah, being told to “go fix his country” intensified diplomatic tensions between the two republics.
Government spokesman Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced that the visit would not take place for the time being, adding that a communication had been sent to Pretoria advising the deferral of the event due to “the present climate around xenophobia.” Pretoria’s spokesman Vincent Magwenya described the visit as a bilateral meeting rather than a state visit and emphasized a commitment to “deepening cooperation” between the sister nations.
Ghana’s concerns centre on the legitimacy of residency papers held by its expatriates; the country claims the majority are duly registered while Pretoria disputes this and has called the allegations “false.” In May, Accra petitioned the African Union for a fact‑finding mission on xenophobic attacks.
South Africa’s justice minister accused Ghana of spreading misinformation, and the safety of Ghanaian citizens remains a key point of contention. Analysts warn that if the protests are not contained, South Africa could face political isolation on the continent.
The suspension of Ramaphosa’s trip underscores the fragile nature of African diplomatic relationships amid rising anti‑immigration sentiment and highlights the need for coordinated regional action on migration governance.
