A planned visit by Cyril Ramaphosa, South African President to Ghana has been postponed after weeks of diplomatic tensions triggered by anti-foreigner protests in South Africa.
The decision reflects how a domestic immigration debate has grown into a regional diplomatic crisis involving thousands of migrants, conflicting official accounts and growing concerns over African unity.
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Here is what happened and why it matters.
Why was Ramaphosa supposed to visit Ghana?
Ramaphosa was expected in Accra during the first week of August for the third session of the Ghana-South Africa Bi-National Commission, a platform where both governments discuss trade, investment, security, diplomacy and other areas of cooperation.
Although Ghanaian officials described the trip as a state visit, South Africa insists it was a bilateral commission meeting that had been planned months in advance.
The meeting was expected to strengthen relations between two of Africa’s largest and most influential economies.
Why was the visit postponed?
According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Ghana’s Minister for Government Communications, the current atmosphere made the visit inappropriate.
“We sent them a communication indicating that it would be best to defer the visit in view of the present climate around xenophobia,” he said.
Officials feared Ramaphosa’s presence could spark protests in Ghana at a time when public anger over attacks on Ghanaians in South Africa remains high.
South Africa accepted the postponement and said both countries would agree on another date through diplomatic channels.
What caused the diplomatic tensions?
The latest crisis began after anti-foreigner protests spread across parts of South Africa.
Campaigners demanded that undocumented migrants leave the country, arguing that illegal immigration contributes to unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.
The issue quickly became regional after videos circulated online showing African migrants being harassed. One widely shared video showed a young Ghanaian, Emmanuel Asamoah, being told to “go fix his country.”
The footage fuelled outrage in Ghana and increased pressure on the government to respond.
Why has Ghana been bringing its citizens home?
As the protests intensified, Ghana began repatriating its nationals from South Africa.
More than 900 Ghanaians have already returned home, while hundreds more are expected in the coming weeks.
Nigeria, Malawi and Kenya have also assisted some of their citizens to leave South Africa. Overall, around 25,000 undocumented migrants have reportedly left or been repatriated since protesters issued a June 30 deadline.
Why are Ghana and South Africa arguing over a death?
The dispute became even more serious after Ghana condemned the reported killing of a Ghanaian citizen during the protests.
Ghana said Bahiru Isak, a 40-year-old Ghanaian, was killed during anti-immigrant violence in Cape Town.
South African authorities rejected that account. They said no such incident occurred and maintained that the only Ghanaian known to have died was Kwabena Boagen, whose death they said was unrelated to the protests.
The disagreement has further damaged trust between the two governments.
Is there another disagreement?
Yes. Both countries disagree over the legal status of many Ghanaians living in South Africa.
Ghana says most of its citizens have valid residence documents.
South Africa argues that many are undocumented.
Neither government has publicly released evidence to support its position.
In May, Ghana formally petitioned the African Union, asking it to investigate recurring attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.
Accra argued that such violence undermines African integration and violates the spirit of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is intended to promote closer economic cooperation and freer movement across the continent.
What does South Africa say?
Ramaphosa has defended the right of people to protest peacefully but has also promised stronger measures to tackle irregular migration.
His spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said South Africa remains committed to its partnership with Ghana.
“South Africa remains committed to its strategic cooperation with Ghana, which covers political, economic, defence, security and social sectors,” he said.
He added that the two countries would continue engaging through diplomatic channels to fix a new date for the meeting.
Why does this matter?
The dispute goes beyond Ghana and South Africa.
It has reopened a long-standing debate over xenophobia in South Africa, immigration policy and the treatment of African migrants.
It also tests the African Union’s vision of greater continental integration at a time when the African Continental Free Trade Area is encouraging countries to deepen economic cooperation.
Prolonged tensions could weaken regional diplomacy and complicate efforts to build trust among African states. While both governments insist they remain committed to cooperation, the postponement of Ramaphosa’s visit shows how quickly domestic immigration disputes can spill over into continental politics.
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