South Africa has clarified that President Cyril Ramaphosa's planned visit to Ghana has been postponed rather than rejected, dismissing reports suggesting that Ghana declined the engagement.

Speaking on Citi FM's Eyewitness News on Tuesday, 7 July, President Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said media reports had misrepresented the situation.

He explained that the planned trip was connected to the Ghana-South Africa Binational Commission (BNC), a regular platform for strengthening cooperation between the two countries, and not a request for a state visit.

According to Mr Magwenya, South Africa hosted the last BNC meeting in 2024, making Ghana the next host under the existing arrangement.

"We are disappointed with the manner in which this matter has been handled and reported because it does not reflect the true nature of the development," he said.

He added that the correspondence between the two governments was simply to confirm arrangements that had already been agreed and should not be interpreted as Ghana rejecting a state visit.

The clarification follows reports that Ghana had declined President Ramaphosa's visit amid concerns over the death of a Ghanaian national and renewed xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa.

The Ghanaian government has protested to the South African authorities following the reported killing of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak during demonstrations linked to attacks on foreign nationals on 30 June 2026.

President Ramaphosa had been expected to visit Ghana in early August for the Ghana-South Africa Binational Commission meeting and other engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

According to South African officials, the meeting has been postponed and a new date will be agreed by both governments.