Ghana has postponed a state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following a diplomatic row over alleged anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa. Officials in Ghana stated that concerns about potential mass protests related to the visit, as well as a dispute over the death of a Ghanaian national, prompted the postponement.
The diplomatic tension escalated last week after Ghana condemned the alleged killing of Bahiru Isak, a 40-year-old Ghanaian citizen, during anti-immigration protests in the Khayelitsha suburb of Cape Town on June 30. South African authorities, however, have disputed Ghana's account, stating that no such killing occurred and that the only Ghanaian victim, 35-year-old Kwabena Boagen, died in circumstances unrelated to the protests.
South Africa's justice minister accused Ghana of disseminating "false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration." A core point of contention is the residency status of Ghanaian nationals in South Africa; Accra claims most possess the necessary documentation, a claim Pretoria disputes. Neither nation has provided evidence to substantiate their positions.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of xenophobia in South Africa, where foreigners are often blamed for unemployment and crime. In May, Ghana lodged a petition with the African Union concerning recurring xenophobic incidents, urging action and a fact-finding mission. Ghana argued that such attacks contravene the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.
Analysts suggest that South Africa risks diplomatic isolation on the continent if it does not urgently address anti-immigration sentiments and the ensuing diplomatic tensions. Many in Ghana hold a historical perspective, recalling the solidarity and support received from other African nations during the anti-apartheid struggle and South Africa's transition to a multi-racial democracy.