South Africa refuted reports that Ghana rejected President Cyril Ramaphosa’s scheduled visit, clarifying that it has been postponed rather than rejected.
On Tuesday, July 7, President Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, stated on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News that the situation had been distorted in the media.
He clarified that the trip was not a request for a state visit, but rather related to the Ghana-South Africa Binational Commission (BNC), a regular forum for enhancing collaboration between the two nations.
According to Mr. Magwenya, Ghana will host the next BNC meeting under the current system as South Africa hosted the previous one in 2024.
He stated, “We are disappointed with the manner in which this matter has been handled and reported because it does not reflect the true nature of the development.”
He went on to say that the letter between the two governments should not be seen as Ghana declining a state visit, but rather as a confirmation of already agreed plans.
The explanation comes after it was reported that Ghana had turned down President Ramaphosa’s visit due to worries about a Ghanaian national’s death and fresh xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa.
Following the alleged death of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak during protests connected to attacks on foreign immigrants on June 30, 2026, the Ghanaian government has protested to the South African authorities.
It was anticipated that President Ramaphosa would travel to Ghana in early August for a meeting of the Ghana-South Africa Binational Commission as well as other activities intended to improve bilateral ties.
The conference has been rescheduled, and both governments will decide on a new date, according to South African officials.
Source: newsthemegh.com