South Africa has dismissed reports suggesting that Ghana rejected a planned visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa, clarifying that the engagement was only postponed following discussions between the two governments.
The spokesperson for President Ramaphosa, Vincent Magwenya, said claims that Ghana had declined the visit were inaccurate and did not represent the true circumstances surrounding the development.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, July 7, Mr. Magwenya expressed concern over the manner in which the issue had been presented, insisting that the planned engagement between Ghana and South Africa remains intact despite the postponement.
He explained that the visit was tied to the Ghana-South Africa Binational Commission (BNC), a structured platform that facilitates regular discussions and cooperation between the two countries, rather than a state visit invitation that Ghana had rejected.
According to him, Ghana was scheduled to host the next session of the commission after South Africa successfully hosted the previous meeting in 2024. He noted that communication between the two governments was simply aimed at confirming arrangements that had already been agreed upon.
“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,” Mr. Magwenya stated.
He emphasised that the Binational Commission remains an important mechanism for managing and strengthening relations between the two countries, adding that the upcoming meeting follows the established rotation arrangement.
“The last meeting was held in 2024, and that meeting was hosted by South Africa. It follows that Ghana was to host the next iteration of the BNC,” he explained.
Mr. Magwenya further clarified that the correspondence between both governments was only a procedural step to formalise the agreed arrangements and should not be interpreted as Ghana turning down a request for President Ramaphosa to visit the country.
The clarification comes after reports emerged that Ghana had rejected the planned engagement amid concerns over the death of a Ghanaian national and renewed incidents of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
Ghanaian authorities have expressed concern over the killing of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak, who was reportedly killed during protests linked to attacks against foreigners in South Africa on June 30, 2026. The Ghanaian government has since formally raised the matter with South African authorities, calling for greater protection for Ghanaian citizens living in the country.
President Ramaphosa was initially expected to travel to Ghana in the first week of August for the Ghana-South Africa Binational Commission meeting and other engagements aimed at deepening diplomatic relations, expanding economic cooperation, and strengthening ties between the two nations.
Following further consultations between the two governments, the visit has been rescheduled, with a new date expected to be announced after both sides reach an agreement.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe
