The government has rejected South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s request for a state visit, citing increased worries over recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have impacted Ghanaians.
The decision came after a spike in anti-foreigner violence in some parts of South Africa in recent weeks, which resulted in the repatriation of some 1,000 Ghanaians, with an additional 900 Ghanaians reportedly registered for repatriation, according to diplomatic sources in Accra and Pretoria.
On June 30, as xenophobic organisations in South Africa intensified their protests against African migrants in the nation, one Ghanaian was also reportedly killed.
Ghana’s allegations that the Ghanaian national was slain during the anti-immigrant demonstrations on June 30 have been denied by South Africa. According to South African officials, the victim was shot on June 29 inside a barbershop in Nyanga, Cape Town, in an alleged extortion-related attack that had nothing to do with the protests.
With Ghana’s official remarks being denounced as “factually incorrect” by South Africa’s Ministry of Justice, the matter has escalated into a major diplomatic spat between the two countries.begins accepting applications for the 36th Medical…
The Daily Graphic was informed by a South African source that “the Ghanaian government was deeply concerned about the safety and dignity of its citizens in South Africa” and that the August high-level visit could not go forward “under the current circumstances.”
The decision was also verified by a Ghanaian source, who emphasised the government’s stance on safeguarding its people overseas. Taking into consideration threats of retaliation, the Ghanaian government was also extremely concerned about the security implications for the president of South Africa.
The source went on to say that the government’s stance on protecting Ghanaians overseas was unchangeable. The government also feared that, given the current unstable xenophobic climate, President Ramaphosa’s reception might provoke hostile feelings, and the government does not plan to see him in such a setting.
The source added that South Africa has been made fully aware of this and has been requested to take decisive action to address the attacks and ensure the security of Ghanaian citizens, which is crucial before such a visit could be fulfilled.
The Ghanaian source, meanwhile, confirmed that the two nations’ relationship is still friendly.
Source: newsthemegh.com