Xenophobic Protests: Ghana Postpones Mahama, Ramaphosa Meeting

Ghana has postponed a planned meeting between President John Mahama and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa amid ongoing anti-immigrant protests and violence in South Africa.

Ghana’s Communications Minister, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, disclosed this on Tuesday during an interview with Joy FM.

He said Accra was concerned that the unrest in South Africa could overshadow the agenda of the planned engagement.

“We sent a diplomatic communication to the South African government that we believe it is best to defer their visit,” Kwakye Ofosu said.

“We value the relationship we have with South Africa,” he added, but noted that the recent violence could “overshadow” the meeting’s priorities.

The two countries, however, appeared to disagree over the nature of the postponed engagement.

Ghana described the planned meeting as a “state visit,” while South Africa said it was an “official visit” connected to a session of the binational commission on cooperation between the two countries.

A spokesperson for Ramaphosa’s office said Ghana requested the postponement but did not provide a clear reason.

The spokesperson added that South Africa did not believe there should be tension with Ghana, while accusing Ghana’s foreign ministry of “anti-South African rhetoric.”

South Africa has witnessed weeks of protests against undocumented immigrants, who have been accused by some groups of taking jobs and public resources.

Foreign nationals with valid documents have also reportedly been targeted as some citizens take matters into their own hands amid frustration over social and economic challenges.

Thousands of migrants have reportedly left South Africa as a result of the unrest.

Kwakye Ofosu said relations between Ghana and South Africa remained cordial but maintained that Pretoria could have done more to protect foreigners.

“Our relations remain cordial,” he said, while adding that “the South African government could have done more” to ensure the safety of foreign nationals.