Ghana has postponed bilateral meetings with South Africa that were planned for next month because of a surge in anti-migrant violence in the country, Ghana’s government spokesman, Felix Kwakye Ofosu said on Tuesday.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu told local radio station Joy FM the violence would probably have overshadowed the August meetings, which were set to be hosted by Ghana and co-chaired by South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama.
Though, this is coming after Samuel Ablakwa, Ghana’s foreign affairs minister, summoned Thando Dalamba, South African acting high commissioner in the country, to express Ghana’s “strong concern” over the reported intimidation and harassment of foreign nationals.
“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,” he said in an interview with Joy FM, Ghanaian broadcaster.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Vincent Magwenya, South African presidential spokesperson, has dismissed claims that Ramaphosa had requested a state visit.
Magwenya said South Africa had instead sought confirmation from Ghana regarding arrangements for the third session of the Bi-National Commission, which was to be co-chaired by both presidents.
Ghana has said it continues to maintain cordial relations with South Africa.
