Fresh diplomatic tensions have emerged between Ghana and South Africa after the Ghanaian government declined to host South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for a planned state visit, citing concerns over the reported killing of a Ghanaian citizen and alleged xenophobic attacks against its nationals.
President Ramaphosa had been expected to visit Ghana in the first week of August to strengthen the longstanding ties between both countries. However, Ghanaian authorities said the visit could not proceed until concerns over the safety of Ghanaians living in South Africa are adequately addressed.
The diplomatic dispute follows the death of 40-year-old Ghanaian fashion designer Bashiru Isak, who Ghana says was shot dead during demonstrations linked to renewed anti-immigrant attacks in South Africa’s Khayelitsha township on June 30.
In response, Ghana formally protested to South African authorities, describing the incident as a senseless act of xenophobic violence. The Ghanaian government also demanded that those responsible be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
South Africa has, however, rejected Ghana’s account of the incident. The South African government maintains that no fatalities were recorded during the June 30 demonstrations, which attracted thousands of protesters across different parts of the country.
South Africa’s Justice Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, accused Ghanaian authorities of spreading false information about the situation.
“It is concerning that Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration,” she said.
She added:
“The spread of false information to perpetuate the false narrative that South Africa is xenophobic is unacceptable.”
The disagreement has once again drawn attention to the safety of African migrants living in South Africa, where previous outbreaks of violence targeting foreign nationals have repeatedly strained diplomatic relations with several African countries.
