The Government of Ghana has postponed a planned visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following recent anti-migrant attacks in South Africa, insisting that the decision is aimed at preventing the current tensions from overshadowing bilateral engagements between the two countries.

The development comes after reports of violence and intimidation targeting undocumented migrants in parts of South Africa, with some Ghanaian nationals among the Africans reportedly affected. The incidents sparked diplomatic concern in Accra, prompting Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Ablakwa, to summon South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, Thando Dalamba, to formally convey the country’s strong displeasure over the reported harassment and intimidation of foreign nationals.

In response to the deteriorating security situation, the Ghanaian government also commenced the repatriation of some of its citizens from South Africa.

Media reports on Tuesday suggested that Ghana had rejected a proposed state visit by President Ramaphosa as a diplomatic response to the attacks, fuelling speculation of a freeze in relations between the two African nations.

However, Ghana’s Minister for Government Communications, Felix Ofosu, dismissed those claims, clarifying that the visit had not been rejected but mutually deferred because of the prevailing circumstances.

According to Ofosu, the visit had been scheduled long before the recent wave of xenophobic attacks and was originally planned for early August 2026.

He explained that the Ghanaian government formally communicated its position to Pretoria, expressing the view that postponing the visit would allow both countries to engage more productively once tensions had eased.

“Let me indicate that this is a visit that had been planned well in advance of the outbreak of the recent xenophobic attacks. Indeed, it was slated to take place in early August 2026, but given the outbreak of these attacks and all the issues that have arisen therefrom, we sent a diplomatic communication to the South African government that we believe it is best to defer the visit until such a time when these matters have been resolved, and there is relative calm,” Ofosu said during an interview with Joy FM.

He added that the recent attacks were likely to dominate discussions during any high-level meeting, thereby distracting from the broader strategic issues both countries intended to address.

“Given the nature of the recent attacks, there is a likelihood that they will overshadow the very important issues that would have to be discussed during such a visit. So we believe that when matters settle, and the issue of xenophobic attacks no longer hangs over such discussions, it will then be appropriate to have the visit,” he stated.

Meanwhile, South Africa has also clarified its position on the planned engagement.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya dismissed reports suggesting that President Ramaphosa had requested a state visit to Ghana. He explained that Pretoria had only sought confirmation from the Ghanaian authorities regarding arrangements for the third session of the Ghana–South Africa Bi-National Commission, a bilateral platform expected to be co-chaired by Presidents Ramaphosa and John Mahama.

Despite the postponement, Ghana has reiterated that its relationship with South Africa remains cordial and that the decision should not be interpreted as a deterioration in diplomatic relations.

The latest development reflects the sensitivity surrounding the recent anti-migrant violence in South Africa, which has drawn concern from several African governments and renewed calls for stronger protection of foreign nationals living and working in the country.

The government of Ghana has commenced the repatriation of its citizens from South Africa following weeks of anti-foreigner protests and xenophobic attacks that targeted African migrants living in the country.

The first evacuation flight carrying nearly 300 Ghanaians departed Johannesburg early Wednesday and is expected to arrive in Ghana later in the day. Ghanaian authorities disclosed that about 800 nationals had registered for voluntary repatriation after tensions escalated in several South African communities.

The repatriation exercise follows a wave of hostility against foreign nationals, particularly African immigrants, after videos circulated widely on social media showing confrontations and assaults involving migrants. The incidents reignited fears of xenophobic violence in South Africa, a country that has witnessed recurring anti-immigrant unrest over the years.

Stephen van Neel, head of Immigration and Law Enforcement at South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, said investigations conducted during the evacuation process revealed that only 10 of the nearly 300 departing Ghanaians possessed valid residency status in the country.

According to him, the majority were found to be undocumented migrants, permit overstayers, or individuals who failed to comply with immigration regulations. He added that South African authorities would enforce appropriate immigration sanctions against affected persons.

Witnesses at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport reported that men, women, and children arrived in buses before dawn to board the evacuation flight. However, some individuals were unable to travel after encountering documentation-related complications. Officials said those affected could be considered for a second evacuation flight expected later this week.

The anti-foreigner protests reportedly intensified last month after viral videos showed South Africans openly confronting African migrants and questioning their presence in the country. In one widely shared clip, a Ghanaian man was confronted by a group demanding to know why he had relocated to South Africa. Another video showed a man believed to be Ghanaian being physically assaulted.

The developments prompted strong diplomatic reactions from Ghanaian authorities. Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Ablakwa, summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to Ghana, Thando Dalamba, to formally express what he described as Ghana’s “strong concern” over the intimidation and harassment of foreign nationals.

Addressing the evacuees before departure on Wednesday, Ablakwa assured them that adequate arrangements had been made for their reintegration upon arrival in Ghana. He announced a five-point support package prepared by the government to assist returning citizens.

“You are not refugees, you are not some destitute. Ghana is not some war zone where we cannot take care of our own,” the minister told the returnees.

He stated that the evacuation operation demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad and responding swiftly during emergencies affecting nationals overseas.

Nigerians were also among those affected by the renewed xenophobic tensions in South Africa. According to the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg, at least two Nigerians were killed during the attacks.

Earlier this month, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had directed relevant authorities to arrange evacuation flights for Nigerians willing to return home voluntarily.

Frank Onyekwelu, president of the Nigerian community in South Africa, said more than 130 Nigerians had already registered for repatriation. However, details regarding the proposed evacuation flights have yet to be officially announced.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday that further updates concerning the evacuation arrangements would be made public next week.

The latest developments have once again drawn international attention to the recurring issue of xenophobia in South Africa, where frustrations linked to unemployment, crime, and economic hardship are often directed at foreign nationals, particularly migrants from other African countries.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on South Africa to take firm and immediate action to stop ongoing violence targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country.

This appeal was made during a meeting in Abuja between Dunoma Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Lesoli Machele.

Speaking to journalists, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the meeting was convened in response to recent xenophobic attacks and protests in parts of South Africa. According to him, some protesters have been calling for foreigners—especially black immigrants—to leave the country.

Ebienfa described circulating videos and reports from South Africa as disturbing, noting that they contradict the long-standing friendly relationship between both nations.

He also revealed that Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate in Johannesburg are closely monitoring the situation and sending regular updates to the government.

The Nigerian government further expressed concern over the reported deaths of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, allegedly linked to encounters with South African security agencies. Authorities say the circumstances surrounding their deaths have raised serious questions about the conduct of security personnel.

While acknowledging statements by South African officials condemning violence, looting, and extrajudicial actions, Nigeria emphasized the need for these commitments to be backed by concrete action on the ground.

The Federal Government also called for the urgent activation of an existing memorandum of understanding (MoU) between both countries. The agreement is designed to enable early warning systems, improve communication, and help prevent escalation of threats against Nigerians living in South Africa.

Nigeria urged South Africa to take decisive steps to restore confidence among Nigerians residing there and ensure they can live safely and with dignity.

Ebienfa also mentioned that the government is aware of a recent protest by a group of Nigerians at the South African High Commission in Abuja. He appealed for calm and reassured that Nigeria remains committed to protecting diplomatic missions in line with international obligations.