Ghana Delays South African President’s Visit Amid Anti‑Migrant Protests
Ghana’s government announced on Thursday that it will defer the planned state visit of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, which was scheduled for early August. The decision comes after a series of xenophobic rallies across the country that reportedly led to the repatriation of almost 900 Ghanaians living in South Africa.
The move follows concerns that the president’s arrival could incite large‑scale protests. Government spokesman Felix Kwakye Ofosu told the BBC that the visit would be postponed “in view of the present climate around xenophobia.”
South Africa’s presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya said the country remains committed to “deepening cooperation” and will continue diplomatic dialogue to find a new, mutually convenient date. Pretoria also reiterated that it seeks to address irregular migration and prevent further unrest.
The diplomatic row intensified after a video circulated of Ghanaian activist Emmanuel Asamoah being told to “go fix his country” amid protests in South Africa. Ghana repatriated more than 900 nationals, with an additional 900 expected to return soon. Other African states, including Nigeria, Malawi and Kenya, are also pulling citizens from South Africa under similar circumstances.
Accra’s claim that most of its diaspora were legally resident is disputed by Pretoria, which argues many lacked proper documents. The African Union has been urged to investigate the fallout, and analysts warn that unresolved tensions could isolate South Africa within the continent.
The unrest reflects a broader pattern of xenophobia in South Africa, where foreigners are sometimes blamed for unemployment and crime. However, many African communities emphasize shared solidarity stemming from collective anti‑apartheid efforts.
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