Ghana Denies South Africa President State Visit Due to Xenophobia

The Ghanaian government has officially denied a state visit request from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, amid escalating tensions over anti-immigrant sentiment and xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.

The decision signals growing diplomatic unease between the two nations following a series of attacks on African migrants.

Concerns were raised when South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola confirmed that he had been engaging with several African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, and Malawi, to address safety concerns for their citizens.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, stated publicly that the tensions surrounding undocumented migration could damage South Africa’s relationship with other African nations.

The rebuff comes as South Africa marked Africa Day on May 25 amid heightened anxiety over the treatment of foreign nationals.

While the South African government rejected claims that the country is xenophobic, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie acknowledged growing public frustration over illegal immigration.

The state visit denial is perceived as a direct protest against the recent wave of violence and vigilantism.

In recent weeks, there have been repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence, with foreign nationals often blamed for unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services.

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki warned that this rising anti-immigrant sentiment threatens both the country’s constitutional values and broader African unity.

Despite the diplomatic snub, South African officials maintain that immigration laws should only be enforced by authorized law enforcement agencies.

President Ramaphosa himself had previously condemned xenophobia and vigilantism during Freedom Day commemorations in late April, stressing that concerns about undocumented migration should never lead to prejudice against fellow Africans.