The government has declined a request for a state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing heightened concerns over recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have affected Ghanaian nationals.
According to diplomatic sources in Accra and Pretoria, the decision followed a surge in anti-foreigner violence in parts of South Africa in recent weeks that has led to the repatriation of approximately 1,000 Ghanaians, with an additional 900 Ghanaians said to be registered for repatriation.
One Ghanaian was also reported to have been killed in the attacks on June 30 when South African xenophobic groups climaxed their demonstrations against African migrants in the country.
South Africa has rejected Ghana's claims that the Ghanaian national was killed during the June 30 anti-immigrant protests. South African officials state that the victim was shot on June 29 in a suspected extortion-related attack at a barbershop in Nyanga, Cape Town, and was completely unrelated to the demonstrations.
The dispute has spiralled into a significant diplomatic row between the two nations, with South Africa's Ministry of Justice condemning Ghana's official statements as "factually incorrect".opens recruitment for 36th batch of Medical ...
Sources confirmation
A source from South Africa told the Daily Graphic that "the Ghanaian government was deeply concerned about the safety and dignity of its citizens in South Africa" and could not proceed with the planned high-level visit scheduled for August "under the current circumstances."
A Ghanaian source also confirmed the decision, stressing the government's position on protecting its citizens abroad. The Ghanaian government was also deeply concerned about the security implications for the South African President, taking into account fears of reprisal.
The source added that the government's position on the protection of Ghanaians abroad was non-negotiable, while the government also feared that in the present volatile xenophobic situation, the reception of President Ramaphosa may spark unwelcoming emotion, and the government does not intend to see him in such an environment.
The source also indicated that same has been unequivocally conveyed to South Africa, and they have been urged to take concrete steps to address the attacks and to guarantee the security of Ghanaian nationals, which is paramount before such a visit could be honoured.
Meanwhile, the Ghanaian source affirmed that the relationship between the two countries remains cordial.
-Daily Graphic-