Ghana-South Africa Tensions Flare: Ramaphosa Visit Postponed Amidst Xenophobia Concerns, Sparking Diplomatic Crisis

Diplomatic relations between Ghana and South Africa have been strained following recent xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant protests in South Africa, which led to Ghana deferring a proposed state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and initiating the repatriation of its citizens. Ghana's Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, expressed deep disappointment with President Ramaphosa's handling of the situation. He criticised Ramaphosa's engagement with groups accused of promoting anti-foreigner sentiments and his perceived failure to take a firm public stance against xenophobia, especially after the reported death of a Ghanaian citizen during the disturbances. Mr. Ayeh struggled to reconcile the South African President’s approach with the seriousness attributed to the attacks by other African nations.

The Minority in Ghana's Parliament has fully supported the government’s firm diplomatic actions against South Africa. Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, stated that Ghana’s response must prioritize its national interest and the protection of its citizens abroad. He endorsed the government's decision to escalate the matter to the African Union (AU) to consider sanctions against South Africa and demand greater accountability from the South African government regarding the xenophobic attacks. However, Mr. Jinapor cautioned that Ghana’s foreign policy must remain credible and be anchored on verified facts.

Amidst the escalating tensions, Nana Asafo Adjei also criticised the public exchanges between Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and his South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola, particularly on social media, following reports of a Ghanaian national’s death. He argued that such sensitive diplomatic issues should be resolved through established diplomatic channels and direct engagement rather than public forums, which could complicate efforts. The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, clarified that President Ramaphosa’s state visit, planned long before the recent xenophobic outbreak, was deferred not as a rejection, but to allow tensions to ease and prevent the issues from overshadowing important discussions. He stressed that Ghana's relationship with South Africa remains cordial, with the deferral being a measure to protect its citizens and not to damage ties.

The economic implications of these diplomatic tensions are also significant. Professor William Kwasi Peprah of Andrews University warned that South Africa could face severe economic consequences if relations with Ghana and other African countries deteriorate, leading to a decline in trade and investment. He highlighted South Africa’s reliance on sectors like mining, tourism, banking, and manufacturing, many of which have strong links across Africa. Reduced exports, lower business activity, and potential job losses in South Africa, along with disruptions in economic cooperation for other African nations, could undermine efforts towards greater integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area. Prof. Peprah urged dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the concerns.

Ghana officially postponed Ramaphosa’s visit due to fears of mass protests and the prevailing climate around xenophobia, a decision communicated diplomatically. South Africa, however, emphasized its unwavering commitment to deepening cooperation and advancing the African Agenda, seeking a mutually convenient date. Diplomatic tensions were further exacerbated by a viral video of a Ghanaian national, Emmanuel Asamoah, being confronted, and the repatriation of over 900 Ghanaians, with hundreds more awaiting evacuation. While Ghanaian officials reported the killing of 40-year-old Bahiru Isak during anti-immigration protests, South African authorities refuted this, insisting no such killing happened and that the death of 35-year-old Kwabena Boagen was unrelated to protests. South Africa’s justice minister even accused Ghana of spreading “false information.” Despite these challenges, Ghana's officials maintain that the core fabric of the relationship between the two nations remains intact.