Ghana has called off a planned state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing safety concerns for Ghanaians living in South Africa following the reported killing of one of its citizens.
The visit was scheduled for the first week of August and was meant to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss trade, investment, and regional cooperation. But Accra said it could not proceed while questions remain over the death of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak.
According to Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Isak, a fashion designer, was shot dead on June 30, 2026 during anti-immigrant demonstrations in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. The government described it as an act of xenophobic violence and has formally protested to Pretoria. It also petitioned the African Union, demanding that those responsible be arrested and prosecuted.
South African authorities rejected Ghana’s account. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said no fatalities were recorded during the June 30 protests and accused Ghana of spreading “false information” that damages South Africa’s reputation. “The spread of false information to perpetuate the false narrative that South Africa is xenophobic is unacceptable,” she said in a statement.
Officials in Accra said the decision to postpone reflects growing concern about the welfare of Ghanaians abroad, and that diplomatic engagements should not take priority over citizen safety.
Despite the dispute, both countries remain key economic and diplomatic partners in Africa. Government officials say talks will continue to resolve the disagreement and preserve longstanding cooperation.
