Fresh diplomatic tensions have emerged between Ghana and South Africa after the Ghanaian government declined to host South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, for a planned state visit, citing concerns over the reported killing of a Ghanaian citizen and alleged xenophobic attacks against its nationals.

President Ramaphosa was expected to visit Ghana in the first week of August as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two African nations. However, Ghanaian authorities said the visit would not proceed until concerns regarding the safety and welfare of Ghanaians residing in South Africa are adequately addressed.

The development follows the reported death of 40-year-old Ghanaian fashion designer, Bashiru Isak, who Ghana claims was shot dead during demonstrations linked to renewed anti-immigrant unrest in Khayelitsha on June 30.

In a formal protest to South African authorities, Ghana described the incident as a senseless act of xenophobic violence and demanded a thorough investigation. The Ghanaian government also called for the identification, arrest, and prosecution of those responsible for the alleged killing.

South African authorities, however, have disputed Ghana’s account of events. Officials insisted that no fatalities were recorded during the June 30 demonstrations, which reportedly attracted thousands of protesters across different parts of the country.

Responding to Ghana’s claims, Mmamoloko Kubayi, South Africa’s Justice Minister, accused Ghanaian officials of spreading misinformation regarding developments in the country.

“It is concerning that Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration,” Kubayi said.

She further stated that portraying South Africa as a xenophobic nation based on unverified reports was unacceptable, warning against narratives capable of damaging relations between African states.

The disagreement has once again drawn attention to concerns surrounding the safety of African migrants in South Africa, where previous outbreaks of violence targeting foreign nationals have sparked diplomatic disputes and condemnation from several African governments.

Analysts say the latest dispute could test diplomatic relations between Ghana and South Africa, two of the continent’s leading economies, unless both governments engage in dialogue to address the growing concerns.