The Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, has called on the government to provide more details on the diplomatic developments between Ghana and South Africa following concerns over recent xenophobic attacks.
Speaking in response to Ghana’s decision to defer a proposed state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Bosome Freho MP said the Minority lacks sufficient information to properly assess the government’s actions and offer constructive input.
According to a report by MyJoyOnline on July 7, 2026, Asafo-Adjei said Parliament’s Minority Caucus needs a comprehensive briefing before taking a position on the matter.
“My side of the House, the Minority, both the Minority Caucus and the NPP committee, would want to have more flesh and details, and then we can take a position, or then we can support the position of government or suggest something to government, or proposals to government to consider as we have done since the inception of these South African issues,” he said.
“We do not have enough information as it stands now,” he added.
He stressed that greater transparency from the government would facilitate broader consultation and help safeguard Ghana’s diplomatic and national interests.
His comments come after Ghana deferred a request for a state visit by President Ramaphosa amid growing concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians and other African migrants in South Africa.
South Africa denies Ghana rejected Ramaphosa visit
Diplomatic sources in Accra and Pretoria have indicated that the decision was influenced by the recent wave of anti-foreigner violence in parts of South Africa, which has reportedly resulted in the repatriation of about 1,000 Ghanaians, with hundreds more awaiting evacuation.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has insisted that relations between Ghana and South Africa remain cordial despite the developments.
According to him, the decision to defer President Ramaphosa’s visit should not be interpreted as a breakdown in diplomatic ties.
“Our relations remain cordial, as you have seen. We in Ghana have not done anything to muddy the relationship; we only had to take a step to protect our citizens from the attacks, and so we have made arrangements to bring a number of them back home, and arrangements are ongoing to bring more back home. Beyond that, we don’t think that our relations have been damaged,” he said.
Kwakye Ofosu added that while Ghana has expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the attacks by South African authorities, it remains committed to maintaining strong bilateral relations.
“Of course, we have indicated our displeasure about what is happening in South Africa; we hold the view that the South African government could have done more to guarantee the safety and security of Ghanaians in particular and other foreigners in South Africa in general.
“But we continue to hold the South African government and its people in high esteem. And we are willing and able to maintain a healthy relationship that will result in mutual benefits for both countries,” he stated.
MRA/BAI
Ghana rejects Ramaphosa’s state visit request amid xenophobic attacks
