A request by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to undertake a state visit to Ghana has reportedly been declined by the Ghanaian government.

According to a report by graphic.com.gh on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the reported rejection of Ramaphosa's request follows growing concerns over recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign African nationals in South Africa, including some Ghanaians living there.

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The report, citing diplomatic sources in both Ghana and South Africa, said the recent rise in xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa played a key role in the decision.

It said the attacks have forced the evacuation of several Ghanaians, while about 900 others are still awaiting repatriation from the country.

The report further said its sources confirmed that the Ghanaian government was concerned about the treatment of Ghanaians by anti-immigrant groups in South Africa and, for that reason, could not accept President Ramaphosa's request for a state visit.

“The Ghanaian government was deeply concerned about the safety and dignity of its citizens in South Africa" and could not proceed with a high-level visit "under the current circumstances,” the report stated.

Furthermore, graphic.com.gh quoted a Ghanaian source as confirming the decision, indicating that the government's priority was to protect the interests and safety of Ghanaians living abroad.

According to the source, the government was also concerned about the security of President Ramaphosa, citing fears of possible reprisals amid the ongoing xenophobic attacks.



The source added that Ghana's commitment to protecting its citizens abroad was non-negotiable. It also expressed concern that, given the current tensions, President Ramaphosa's visit could trigger negative public reactions, which the government was keen to avoid.

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Meanwhile, the report said the decision had been communicated to the South African government, with Ghana urging the authorities to address the xenophobic attacks and guarantee the safety of Ghanaian nationals before any high-level visits would be considered.

MAG/MA

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