Ghana Hangs Up South Africa President’s Visit Over Xenophobia Row
Ghana has postponed a visit by South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing fears that his presence could spark anti‑immigrant rallies. The decision came after a surge of xenophobic protests in which thousands of Ghanaians were repatriated from South Africa.
Ramaphosa had planned to fly to Ghana in early August, hoping the trip would ease tensions. Ghanaian officials said the visit would not happen for the time being and sent a communication to Pretoria urging a deferral due to the “present climate around xenophobia.”
- More than 900 Ghanaians repatriated from South Africa; an additional 900 expected soon.
- Other African countries, including Nigeria, Malawi, and Kenya, are also sending nationals back because of anti‑foreigner protests.
- South Africa denies the killing of Ghanaian migrants, attributing deaths to unrelated incidents.
- Ghana’s ambassador to Africa filed a petition with the African Union urging investigations into xenophobic attacks.
- President Ramaphosa insists protests were peaceful and he will take stronger steps against irregular migration.
The dispute is rooted in an ownership question: Ghana claims its citizens had valid residency papers, while Pretoria denies this. Neither side has produced evidence to back its claim, straining diplomatic relations.
The incident arrives at a time when South Africa faces possible political isolation on the continent if the anti‑immigration protest problem isn’t addressed. Advocates for solidarity note that many Africans remember the support they received during the anti‑apartheid struggle.
Image Caption: Anti‑foreigner protests have led to thousands of people fleeing South Africa for their home countries elsewhere on the continent.
