'There was no request for a state visit to Ghana' — South Africa clarifies over Ramaphosa visit row

South Africa has dismissed reports that it formally requested a state visit for President Cyril Ramaphosa to Ghana, explaining that the communication between the two countries was only to confirm arrangements for the next session of the South Africa–Ghana Bi-National Commission (BNC).

President Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said Pretoria was seeking confirmation of the hosting of the upcoming BNC meeting, which is expected to be jointly chaired by the two leaders.

“The request was to confirm the seating of the BNC, which was to be co-chaired by both Presidents and had already been agreed upon after the last BNC meeting. There was no request for a state visit,” Mr Magwenya told the Business and Financial Times (B&FT).

His comments follow reports in Accra suggesting that Ghana had rejected a request from South Africa for President Ramaphosa to embark on a state visit, allegedly due to tensions surrounding recent anti-immigration protests and attacks involving African nationals in South Africa.

However, Pretoria explained that the correspondence was part of the routine diplomatic process ahead of BNC meetings, which provide the framework for managing bilateral relations between the two countries.

“The latest correspondence was more of a formality than a new request. It was within the context of an already established process between the two countries. There was no request for a state visit, which is very different from a working visit over a BNC,” Mr Magwenya clarified.

The South African Presidency stressed that its relationship with Ghana remains a strategic partnership covering political cooperation, trade, investment, defence and security, as well as social development.

The BNC, which was established in 2019, serves as the main platform for coordinating bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The second meeting of the commission was held in South Africa in March 2024, with Ghana scheduled to host the next session.

“South Africa remains committed to its strategic cooperation with Ghana, which covers political, economic, defence and security and social sectors,” Mr Magwenya said.

He added that strengthening cooperation between the two countries was important not only for their national interests but also for advancing Africa’s broader development agenda.

“Deepening cooperation between the two countries is not only in the national interest of the two sister nations, but also crucial to advancing the African Agenda,” he said.

Mr Magwenya noted that both governments would continue discussions through diplomatic channels to agree on a suitable date for the next BNC meeting.

The clarification comes amid heightened public discussions over migration issues in South Africa, particularly following protests targeting undocumented migrants.

Mr Magwenya rejected claims that Ghanaian nationals had been specifically targeted during the recent anti-illegal migration demonstrations, insisting that there was no justification for strained relations between the two countries.

“We don't believe there should be any tension whatsoever with Ghana or any basis for hostility between the two countries,” he said.

“There are no facts to support that Ghanaian nationals have been disproportionately affected by the recent wave of anti-illegal migration protests.”

He, however, expressed concern over remarks attributed to Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa and comments from Ghana’s Foreign Minister, arguing that such statements had contributed to tensions.

“We are perturbed by their High Commissioner’s unverified public statements as much as we have noted the escalation of anti-South African rhetoric coming from their Foreign Minister,” he said.

Despite these concerns, Pretoria maintained that it remained committed to preserving cordial relations with Accra.

“Notwithstanding all of that, we remain committed to maintaining warm diplomatic relations with Ghana and continuing to work with them in advancing the development of our continent,” Mr Magwenya added.

The diplomatic exchange highlights the sensitivity of migration-related issues as African countries pursue deeper integration and economic cooperation under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Ghana and South Africa remain among the continent’s leading economies, with strong commercial links across sectors including mining, telecommunications, financial services, manufacturing and retail.

The clarification from Pretoria indicates that while migration concerns have created diplomatic tensions, both countries are working to ensure that the issue does not undermine their broader political and economic partnership.