anaGh has declined South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, a scheduled state visit after the killing of a Ghanaian national in recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was expected in Ghana in the first week of August. The visit was expected to strengthen bilateral relations and provide an opportunity for discussions on trade, investment and regional cooperation.
After renewed xenophobic tensions in South Africa, sources close to the government have revealed that Ghana thinks issues relating to xenophobia and ill treatment of Ghanaians and other foreign nationals should take higher priority.
This comes after the death of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak, who Ghanaian authorities say was shot and killed during demonstrations linked to renewed attacks against foreign nationals in Cape Town’s Khayelitsha township on June 30, 2026.
The Government of Ghana has formally protested the incident, describing it as part of a worrying pattern of violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa. Officials say the safety and welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad remain a priority and have called on South African authorities to take stronger measures to protect them.
The disagreement has also prompted the Government of Ghana to postpone a planned state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, signalling the seriousness of Accra’s concerns over the safety of Ghanaians living in South Africa.
South Africa Rejects Ghana’s Version
South African authorities have dismissed Ghana’s account of the incident, insisting that the claims linking Mr Isak’s death to xenophobic demonstrations are inaccurate.
Officials say no deaths were recorded during the June 30 demonstrations, despite the large crowds that participated in protests in several parts of the country.
South Africa’s Justice Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, accused Ghanaian authorities of spreading misinformation that unfairly portrays South Africa as a xenophobic nation.
“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 South African government maintains that the available facts do not support Ghana’s description of the incident and has urged caution against concluding before investigations are concluded.
Diplomatic Relations Under Pressure
The differing narratives have introduced fresh strain into what has historically been one of Africa’s strongest bilateral relationships.
Ghana and South Africa have long cooperated in trade, investment, diplomacy and regional integration through continental institutions. However, the latest dispute has reignited debate over the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa and the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens abroad.
While both governments have reaffirmed the importance of maintaining cordial relations, resolving the circumstances surrounding Mr Isak’s death is expected to be critical in easing tensions and restoring confidence between the two countries.
