Former Ghana High Commissioner to South Africa, Charles Asuako Owiredu, has applauded Ghana’s move to defer the planned state visit of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following the recent wave of anti-foreigner violence in the country.

The reported postponement comes amid xenophobic attacks in parts of South Africa that have led to the repatriation of more than 1,000 Ghanaians, with hundreds more reportedly awaiting evacuation.

A Ghanaian national was also reported killed on June 30 during demonstrations by xenophobic groups targeting African migrants.

According to diplomatic sources in Accra and Pretoria, as cited by the Daily Graphic, Ghana’s decision reflects serious concerns over the safety and dignity of its citizens in South Africa.

The sources said proceeding with a high-level state visit under the prevailing circumstances would have been inappropriate, although both countries remain committed to maintaining their longstanding diplomatic relations.

Speaking on Accra-based JoyNews’ News Today on Tuesday, July 7, Owiredu said the government’s decision was justified.

“I think that this decision by government is the right one, considering what is happening. A state visit is the highest level of cooperation between governments, and under the current circumstances, it was appropriate for Ghana to take this decision,” said the Abirem MP.

The former envoy explained that Ghana and South Africa have traditionally maintained strong bilateral relations through the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation, where ministers from both countries engage their counterparts on areas of mutual interest.

He said the relationship was elevated in 2022 to a Bi-National Commission under President Ramaphosa, with high-level engagements continuing into 2024.

According to him, Ramaphosa’s planned visit to Ghana was intended to review the state of cooperation between the two countries under the Bi-National Commission framework.

However, Owiredu argued that South Africa’s handling of the recent xenophobic attacks has raised serious concerns.

He said the South African authorities have not demonstrated sufficient commitment to ensuring justice for victims, noting that there have been no reports of arrests or prosecutions of those responsible for the attacks.