Ghana declines Ramaphosa state visit over killing of Ghanaian, xenophobia concerns

The decision follows the death of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak, who Ghanaian authorities say was shot and killed during demonstrations linked to anti-immigrant violence in South Africa on June 30, 2026.

The Ghanaian government has declined a planned state by South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, citing concerns over the killing of a Ghanaian national and reports of renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.

The government has also lodged a formal protest with South African authorities over the death of Mr Isak and broader concerns about the security of Ghanaians residing in the country.