South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo courtesy of BBC). Ramaphosa’s planned visit canceled.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa was expected to travel to Ghana this month. However, Ghana has canceled the trip. According to Ghana, Ramaphosa’s planned visit might have triggered protests.
Why Ghana Does Not Want Ramaphosa’s Planned Visit
Recently, Ghana evacuated almost 1,000 Ghanaians from South Africa because of xenophobia. As South Africans continue to threaten African migrants in the country, Ghana is said to be planning another evacuation.
Ramaphosa’s planned visit to Ghana was scheduled for next month. However, Ghana thought that the South African president might cause more harm than good.
Recently, Ghanaians made impromptu visits to various government ministries to protest against South Africa. They demanded that the ministries revoke Gold Fields’ gold mining and trading licenses.
Ghana Confirms Cancelation of Ramaphosa’s Planned Visit
On 7th July, Ghana’s spokesperson, Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed the suspension of the trip. Speaking to BBC, Ofosu disclosed that Ghana had advised President Ramaphosa not to visit Ghana for now. In fact, he stated that Ghana had cited xenophobia as the reason for stopping the President’s visit.
South Africa Downplays Trip Cancellation
South Africa’s xenophobic behavior has elicited ill feelings in other African countries. Evidently, it was the reason African football fans cheered Mexico as it recently played South Africa in the 2026 World Cup.
Obviously, Ramaphosa’s visit to Ghana might have done some damage control in favor of South Africa. In contrast, it might have triggered protests against him and his country in Ghana.
Nevertheless South Africa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya downplayed Ghana’s decision to cancel the President’s trip. Speaking to the BBC, he termed Ghana and South Africa “sister nations”. Hence, he added, the two would continue communicating, with a view to identifying a date convenient to both countries.