Ghana Cancels South African President’s Visit Over Migrant Protest Dispute

Tensions intensified last week after Ghana decried the alleged killing of Bahiru Isak, a 40‑year‑old Ghanaian citizen residing in the Khayelitsha suburb of Cape Town, South Africa. Ghanaian authorities said he died during anti‑immigration demonstrations on June 30.

South African officials, however, deny any such killing and maintain that the sole Ghanaian victim was 35‑year‑old Kwabena Boagen, whose death they assert was unrelated to the protests.

South Africa’s justice minister accused Ghana of disseminating false information about South Africa’s handling of irregular migration.

At the core of the dispute lies a legal issue: Ghana asserts that most of its nationals residing in South Africa possess the required residency permits, whereas Pretoria disputes this claim. Neither side has presented evidence to substantiate its position.

In May, Ghana petitioned the African Union concerning the persistent xenophobia in South Africa, calling for action and a fact‑finding mission to address attacks on foreigners, which it says violate the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.

Analysts warn that South Africa could face political isolation on the continent unless urgent measures are taken to quell the anti‑immigration protests and resolve the diplomatic tensions.

Xenophobia has long been a recurring issue in South Africa, with some locals blaming foreigners for unemployment and crime.

Nevertheless, many citizens from other African nations urge black South Africans not to forget the support and solidarity they received from fellow Africans during the anti‑apartheid struggle and the country’s transition to a multi‑racial democracy.

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