Omanghana
The South African Presidency has rejected media reports claiming that Ghana turned down a proposed state visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa, insisting that no formal request for such a visit was ever made.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the engagement scheduled for August was not a state visit but a routine meeting of the Ghana-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC), which has merely been postponed to a later date by mutual agreement between the two countries.
Pretoria also expressed concern over media reports portraying the postponement as a diplomatic snub, warning against what it described as the spread of misinformation surrounding relations between the two nations.
Bi-National Commission Meeting Postponed
According to the South African Presidency, the planned August engagement was part of the regular Ghana-South Africa Bi-National Commission process rather than a presidential state visit.
Magwenya emphasized that both governments agreed to defer the meeting and remain committed to rescheduling it at a mutually convenient time.
South African officials maintained that the postponement should not be interpreted as a deterioration in diplomatic relations.
Ghana Cites Security Concerns
Despite South Africa’s clarification, Ghanaian government officials have acknowledged that they requested the postponement because of heightened tensions arising from recent xenophobic and anti-immigrant violence in South Africa.
Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu said hosting President Ramaphosa under the current circumstances could trigger widespread public protests in Ghana and overshadow the intended objectives of the bilateral meeting.
The comments reflected growing public concern in Ghana following attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
Rising Tensions After Anti-Immigrant Violence
Relations between Accra and Pretoria have come under strain following anti-immigrant demonstrations that erupted on June 30, 2026.
The unrest resulted in the death of a 40-year-old Ghanaian national, Bashiru Isak, in Cape Town, further fueling public anger in Ghana.
In response to the violence, the Ghanaian government organized the repatriation of more than 900 of its citizens from South Africa as fears over the safety of foreign nationals intensified.
Ghana Previously Petitioned the African Union
Diplomatic tensions had already been building before the latest developments.
In May, Ghana formally petitioned the African Union (AU) to establish a fact-finding mission to assess the safety and treatment of foreign nationals living in South Africa.
The request followed increasing concerns over recurring incidents of xenophobic attacks and calls for stronger regional intervention.
South Africa Reaffirms Bilateral Relations
Despite the recent tensions, South African officials insist that diplomatic ties between the two countries remain strong.
Pretoria says both governments continue to work closely to address security concerns affecting foreign nationals while preserving their long-standing bilateral relationship.
The South African Presidency has reiterated that cooperation between Accra and Pretoria remains ongoing and that both sides are committed to resolving current challenges through dialogue and continued engagement.
Source: Omanghana
