Ghana has postponed a planned visit by the South African president amid fears that his presence could trigger mass protests. The diplomatic row intensified after Ghana condemned the alleged killing of Bahiru Isak, a 40-year-old Ghanaian living in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, during anti-immigration protests on 30 June.
Ghanaian officials maintain that Isak was killed in the protests, while South African authorities deny this, stating no such killing occurred. They assert the only Ghanaian victim was 35-year-old Kwabena Boagen, whose death they say was unrelated to the protests. This discrepancy highlights deeper tensions, including disagreements over the residency status of Ghanaian nationals in South Africa, with Accra claiming most have proper papers and Pretoria disputing this.
South Africa's justice minister has accused Ghana of spreading "false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration." Meanwhile, Ghana petitioned the African Union in May, urging action and a fact-finding mission to address recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which Ghana argues violate the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.
Analysts warn that South Africa risks political isolation on the continent if it does not address the anti-immigration protests and diplomatic tensions. Xenophobia remains a persistent issue in South Africa, where some blame foreigners for unemployment and crime. However, many Africans urge South Africans to remember the solidarity received from fellow Africans during the anti-apartheid struggle and South Africa's transition to a multi-racial democracy.
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