The Ghanaian government has called off a planned state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, following growing concerns over the reported killing of a Ghanaian citizen and alleged xenophobic attacks against Ghanaians living in South Africa.

The decision comes after the reported death of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak, whom Ghanaian authorities say was killed during protests linked to renewed anti-foreigner sentiments in South Africa on June 30, 2026.

Government sources say the move was influenced by concerns over the security and welfare of Ghanaian nationals in South Africa, as authorities seek urgent action to address reported incidents of violence against foreign communities.

President Ramaphosa was scheduled to visit Ghana in the first week of August as part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations between the two countries and engage on issues of mutual interest.

However, Ghanaian authorities believe the prevailing circumstances require diplomatic attention before the high-level engagement can proceed.

The government has also lodged a formal complaint with South African authorities over the death of Mr Isak and what it describes as broader threats facing Ghanaian nationals in the country.

According to Ghana, the deceased was shot during what it termed anti-immigrant protests in Cape Town’s Khayelitsha township, amid concerns over renewed attacks targeting foreign nationals.

South Africa, however, has rejected Ghana’s account of the incident, describing the claims as inaccurate and unsupported by facts.

Authorities in Pretoria maintain that no deaths were recorded during the June 30 demonstrations, which drew large numbers of protesters in parts of the country.

South Africa’s Justice Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, criticised Ghana’s description of the incident, arguing that such claims could fuel a misleading perception about the country’s stance on migration and foreign nationals.

She said allegations portraying South Africa as a xenophobic nation were unacceptable and risked damaging the country’s image.

The disagreement has renewed conversations about the protection of African migrants in South Africa, with Ghana pushing for stronger safeguards for its citizens abroad.

Ghana and South Africa have traditionally enjoyed close relations, with cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, diplomacy and regional development. The latest dispute, however, presents a challenge to the longstanding ties between the two nations as they seek to resolve the matter.