Diplomatic relations between Ghana and South Africa have reportedly come under fresh strain following Ghana’s decision to decline a proposed state vis
Diplomatic relations between Ghana and South Africa have reportedly come under fresh strain following Ghana’s decision to decline a proposed state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa amid growing concerns over the safety of Ghanaian nationals affected by recent xenophobic violence.
According to a report, the Ghanaian government turned down the request for the visit after a wave of anti-foreigner attacks in parts of South Africa reportedly forced the repatriation of about 1,000 Ghanaians, while another 900 citizens have registered to return home.
The reported development marks a significant diplomatic setback between two of Africa’s leading democracies, whose relations have traditionally been characterised by strong political, economic and continental cooperation.
Diplomatic sources in both Accra and Pretoria said that Ghana’s decision was driven primarily by concerns over the security and welfare of its citizens currently living in South Africa.
The situation became more complicated following reports that a Ghanaian national was killed during the recent unrest.
However, South African authorities have strongly disputed the account of the incident.
According to South African officials, the Ghanaian victim was shot on June 29 in what they described as a suspected extortion-related attack at a barbershop in Nyanga, Cape Town, insisting the killing was unrelated to the anti-immigrant demonstrations that took place on June 30.
The disagreement over the circumstances surrounding the death has reportedly escalated into a diplomatic dispute, with South Africa’s Ministry of Justice describing Ghana’s official claims as “factually incorrect.”
Sources quoted.
The sources said the Ghanaian government remains deeply concerned about the safety, dignity and protection of its citizens living in South Africa and believes the current security situation does not provide a suitable atmosphere for a high-level state visit.
A diplomatic source reportedly indicated that Ghana also considered the security implications for President Ramaphosa himself, amid fears that heightened public emotions surrounding the xenophobic attacks could create an uncomfortable environment during any official visit.
According to the report, Ghana has informed South African authorities that concrete measures must first be taken to address the attacks and provide stronger guarantees for the safety of Ghanaian nationals before any future state visit can be considered.
Despite the reported disagreement, sources stressed that diplomatic relations between Ghana and South Africa remain cordial, with both countries expected to continue engaging through established diplomatic channels.
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