Ghana-South Africa presidential meeting halted over migrant tensions

Ghana has announced the postponement of a planned state visit by President John Mahama to South Africa, citing escalating anti-immigrant violence in the host country. The Ghanaian government expressed concern that the ongoing protests against foreigners could disrupt the agenda and overshadow the meeting's objectives.

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We sent a diplomatic communication to the South African government that we believe it is best to defer their visit.

However, the exact nature of the visit and the reasons for its cancellation have become a point of diplomatic contention. While Ghana described it as a "state visit," Pretoria referred to an "official visit" intended to co-chair a binational commission meeting on cooperation. A spokesman for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the South African side was not provided with a clear reason for the postponement.

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We value the relationship we have with South Africa.

Ghana's communications minister, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, reiterated that the postponement was necessary due to the volatile situation, emphasizing that Ghana values its relationship with South Africa but believes the South African government "could have done more" to ensure the safety of foreigners. He indicated that the recent violence was liable to "overshadow" the meeting's priorities.

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The South African government could have done more to ensure the safety of foreigners.

Conversely, a spokesman for Ramaphosa's office asserted that there should be no tension between the two nations. The spokesman accused the Ghanaian foreign ministry of engaging in "anti-South African rhetoric" while maintaining that South Africa does not believe any tension exists. The situation highlights the diplomatic complexities arising from the persistent anti-immigrant sentiment and protests within South Africa.

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We don’t believe there should be any tension whatsoever with Ghana.