Ghana has put on hold plans for a high-profile visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa amidst escalating tensions over xenophobic protests in South Africa. The diplomatic rift, which threatens to undermine regional cooperation and economic ties between the two nations, has now prompted Accra to postpone the scheduled visit – originally set for August 1st.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, a Ghanaian government spokesman, confirmed on Tuesday that communication had been sent to Pretoria indicating that deferring the visit would be 'best in view of the present climate around xenophobia'. This decision comes as South Africa seeks to downplay the situation, with presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya emphasising an 'unwavering commitment' to fostering cooperation and advancing the African Agenda between the two sister nations.
The diplomatic strain has intensified following a viral video showing a young Ghanaian national, Emmanuel Asamoah, being confronted in South Africa and told to 'go fix his country'. This incident, alongside ongoing anti-foreigner sentiment, has led to the repatriation of over 900 Ghanaian citizens from South Africa, with a further 900 expected to return in the coming weeks. Other African nations, including Nigeria, Malawi, and Kenya, have also been repatriating their nationals amidst the protests.
The situation is complicated by a dispute over the alleged killing of Bahiru Isak, a 40-year-old Ghanaian national in Cape Town, during anti-immigration protests on June 30th. South African authorities, however, contest this claim, stating no such killing occurred and identifying Kwabena Boagen, 35, as the only Ghanaian victim, whose death they insist was unrelated to the protests.
The ongoing tensions have also led to a diplomatic spat between the two nations, with Accra accusing South Africa of disseminating 'false information' regarding irregular migration developments. A key point of contention lies in the legal status of Ghanaian nationals in South Africa, with Accra claiming most possess necessary residency papers, a claim Pretoria disputes.
Ghana formally petitioned the African Union over the recurring issue of xenophobia in South Africa in May. The move urged the AU to take action and initiate a fact-finding mission to address attacks on foreigners, which it argues contravene the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.
In a significant irony, this ongoing tension highlights the delicate balance between regional cooperation and national sovereignty, particularly as the two nations engage in high-stakes diplomatic engagements. Analysts warn that if urgent measures are not taken to address these anti-immigration protests and the subsequent diplomatic fallout, South Africa risks increasing political isolation across the African continent.