Ghana has postponed a planned meeting between President John Mahama and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as anti-immigrant protests and attacks continue to spread across parts of South Africa.
The decision was confirmed on Tuesday by Ghana’s Communications Minister, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who said Accra opted to delay the engagement out of concern that the ongoing unrest could overshadow the purpose of the high-level talks.
Ghana Explains Decision
Speaking during an interview with Joy FM, Kwakye Ofosu said the Ghanaian government formally communicated its decision to Pretoria through diplomatic channels.
According to him, while Ghana places great value on its longstanding relationship with South Africa, the current atmosphere created by the wave of anti-immigrant violence was not conducive for such an important bilateral engagement.
“We sent a diplomatic communication to the South African government that we believe it is best to defer their visit,” he said.
“We value the relationship we have with South Africa, but the recent developments risk overshadowing the objectives of the meeting.”
Ghana and South Africa Differ on Nature of Visit
Although both governments acknowledged the postponement, they appeared to offer different descriptions of the planned engagement.
Ghana described it as a state visit, while South African authorities maintained that President Ramaphosa’s trip was an official visit linked to a meeting of the Binational Commission established to strengthen cooperation between both countries.
A spokesperson for the South African Presidency confirmed that Ghana requested the postponement but did not disclose the specific reasons behind the decision.
The spokesperson also insisted there was no diplomatic rift between the two nations, while accusing Ghana’s Foreign Ministry of engaging in what was described as “anti-South African rhetoric.”
Xenophobic Unrest Continues
The postponement comes against the backdrop of escalating protests targeting undocumented immigrants in South Africa.
In recent weeks, demonstrators have accused foreign nationals of competing with locals for jobs, housing and other public resources.
Although the protests initially focused on undocumented migrants, reports indicate that foreigners with valid immigration documents have also become victims of attacks as tensions intensified.
The violence has reportedly forced thousands of migrants to flee South Africa in search of safety.
Ghana Calls for Better Protection of Foreign Nationals
Despite postponing the meeting, Ghana insisted that diplomatic relations between both countries remain strong.
However, Kwakye Ofosu argued that South African authorities should have done more to guarantee the safety of foreign nationals living in the country.
“Our relations remain cordial,” he said, adding that Pretoria “could have done more” to protect migrants affected by the unrest.
The latest development highlights growing regional concern over South Africa’s recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence, which have repeatedly strained relations with several African countries and renewed calls for stronger protection of migrants across the continent.