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 3News sources at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 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.
A source told 3News that the Ghanaian government was deeply concerned about the safety and dignity of its citizens in South Africa and could not proceed with a high-level visit under the current circumstances.
A Ghanaian source at the Foreign Ministry also confirmed the decision, stressing the government’s position on protecting its citizens abroad. The source said 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, noting that in the present volatile xenophobic situation, the reception of President Ramaphosa could spark unwelcome reactions, and the government does not intend to see him in such an environment.
The source also indicated that this position had been unequivocally conveyed to South Africa, which has been urged to take concrete steps to address the attacks and guarantee the security of Ghanaian nationals as a precondition for such a visit to be honoured.
