Ghana Cancels Ramaphosa State Visit Amid Safety Concerns for Citizens in South Africa

Diplomatic Row Over Ghanaian's Death

The Ghanaian government has cancelled a scheduled state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing serious concerns about the safety of Ghanaian nationals in South Africa. The decision comes after the death of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak, whom Ghanaian authorities say was killed during anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to xenophobic attacks on 30 June 2026.

According to Ghanaian officials, Isak was shot and killed during violent clashes in Cape Town's Khayelitsha township. The government has formally protested to South African authorities and indicated that the current security situation requires urgent attention before high-level diplomatic engagement can proceed. The planned visit was scheduled for the first week of August and was intended to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.

Conflicting Accounts On The Ground

South African authorities have disputed Ghana's account of events, with Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi describing the Ghanaian claims as "factually incorrect" and "not based on fact." South Africa's government stated that no deaths were recorded during the 30 June demonstrations, which drew thousands of protesters across the country. Officials have accused Ghana of spreading "false information" that perpetuates a negative perception of South Africa regarding xenophobia and irregular migration.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa and raises broader concerns about the protection of African migrants. Ghana is calling for stronger measures to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad and to prevent further incidents. Historically, Ghana and South Africa have maintained strong diplomatic and economic ties across trade, investment and regional cooperation, but this disagreement has introduced strain into their relationship as both governments work to clarify the circumstances surrounding Isak's death.