XENOPHOBIA: GHANA REJECTS REQUEST FOR STATE VISIT BY SOUTH AFRICA PRESIDENT

July 8, 2026 • Dons Eze • 1 min read

Ghana has reportedly turned down a request for a state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, according to Ghanaian officials who spoke to DW.

The decision comes as tensions remain high over recent xenophobic violence in South Africa. Sources within the Ghanaian government say the planned visit, which was expected to take place in early August, was declined to avoid possible public backlash and protests in Ghana while emotions around the issue remain strong.

Ghanaian officials say the safety and dignity of their citizens remain a top priority. Accra has reportedly urged Pretoria to take concrete steps to address the attacks and guarantee the protection of foreign nationals before any future high‑level visit can take place.

Dons Eze

DONS EZE, PhD, Political Philosopher and Journalist of over four decades standing, worked in several newspaper houses across the country, and rose to the positions of Editor and General Manager. A UNESCO Fellow in Journalism, Dr. Dons Eze, a prolific writer and author of many books, attended several courses on Journalism and Communication in both Nigeria and overseas, including a Postgraduate Course on Journalism at Warsaw, Poland; Strategic Communication and Practical Communication Approach at RIPA International, London, the United Kingdom, among others.