Ramaphosa’s Ghana visit postponed until xenophobic tensions ease – Felix Kwakye Ofosu

The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s planned visit to Ghana will take place only after concerns surrounding recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa have subsided.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu was speaking on Joy FM’s Midday News on Tuesday, July 7, when he explained that while the visit remains important, the current tensions could overshadow discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

“Given the nature of the recent attacks, there is a likelihood that they will overshadow the very important issues that would have to be discussed during such a visit. So we believe that when matters settle, and the issue of xenophobic attacks no longer hangs over such discussions, it will then be appropriate to have the visit,” he said.

The postponement follows Ghana’s decision to defer the visit amid growing concerns over attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, including Ghanaians.

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Mr Kwakye Ofosu stressed that the decision does not signal a deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“Our relations remain cordial. We in Ghana have not done anything to muddy the relationship; we only had to take a step to protect our citizens from the attacks,” he said, adding that government efforts to evacuate affected Ghanaians are ongoing.

He noted that Ghana remains committed to maintaining strong ties with South Africa despite expressing concern over the safety of Ghanaians and other foreign nationals.

“We have indicated our displeasure about what is happening in South Africa. We hold the view that the South African government could have done more to guarantee the safety and security of Ghanaians in particular and other foreigners in South Africa in general.

“But we continue to hold the South African government and its people in high esteem. We are willing and able to maintain a healthy relationship that will result in mutual benefits for both countries,” he added.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu clarified that President Ramaphosa’s visit had been scheduled before the recent wave of xenophobic attacks and emphasised that the postponement should be viewed in the context of the current security situation rather than as a diplomatic dispute.

He said the visit is expected to go ahead once conditions improve, with both countries expected to focus on deepening bilateral cooperation and advancing shared interests.