Ghana has postponed a planned visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa amid rising anger over xenophobic violence in South Africa where protests targeting foreign nationals have triggered mass repatriations and a diplomatic rift between the two countries.
Ramaphosa was due to undertake a state visit to Ghana in August.
Accra confirmed the decision on Tuesday, saying Ramaphosa’s presence could spark unrest following weeks of anti‑immigrant demonstrations and the return of more than 900 Ghanaians from South Africa.
The move deepens tensions that escalated after viral footage showed a Ghanaian man being confronted and told to “go fix his country” and after Ghana condemned what it said was the killing of a Ghanaian national during 30 June protests – a claim South African authorities dispute.
Several African countries, including Nigeria, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, have repatriated citizens as groups in South Africa demanded undocumented migrants leave by 30 June, prompting an estimated 25,000 departures.
Ramaphosa has defended the right to peaceful protest while pledging stronger action on irregular migration.
South Africa’s justice minister has accused Ghana of spreading false information, while both governments disagree over whether Ghanaian nationals in South Africa hold valid residency papers.
JN/APA