The Government of Ghana has declined a scheduled state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing concerns over the killing of a Ghanaian citizen and reports of xenophobic attacks against Ghanaians in South Africa. The decision follows the death of 40‑year‑old Bashiru Isak, whom authorities say was killed during demonstrations linked to renewed assaults on foreign nationals in South Africa on June 30, 2026.
Officials explained that the move was taken amid heightened anxiety over the safety of Ghanaians residing in South Africa and the urgent need to address recurring violence against foreign nationals. President Ramaphosa had been expected in Ghana during the first week of August to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss measures to curb such attacks. However, Ghana’s government stressed that the prevailing situation must be resolved before high‑level diplomatic engagements can proceed. .
In addition, Ghana has lodged a formal protest with South African authorities over Mr. Isak’s death and broader concerns regarding the welfare of its nationals in South Africa. According to Ghanaian officials, Mr Isak was shot and killed during what they described as “anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks” in Cape Town’s Khayelitsha township.
South African authorities have, however, disputed Ghana’s account of the incident, describing the claims surrounding the killing as “factually incorrect” and “not based on fact.” The South African government said no deaths were recorded during the June 30 demonstrations, which attracted thousands of protesters in parts of the country.
South Africa’s Justice Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, said Ghana’s characterisation of the incident was misleading and risked creating a negative perception of South Africa. “It is concerning that Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration,” she was quoted as saying in a statement.
Source: William Narh
