Diplomatic sources in Accra and Pretoria told the Daily Graphic that the decision followed a rise in attacks against foreign nationals in several parts of South Africa. The violence forced about 1,000 Ghanaians to return home, while another 900 registered for repatriation.

The situation became deadly on Monday, June 30, when a Ghanaian national was killed during demonstrations by xenophobic groups targeting African migrants.

A South African source said Accra was "deeply concerned about the safety and dignity of its citizens" and could not justify hosting a high-profile visit "under the current circumstances."

On the Ghanaian side, officials pointed to another concern involving the president's safety. With anti-migrant sentiment increasing, they feared Ramaphosa's presence could trigger a hostile public reaction, a risk Accra was unwilling to accept.

"The government's position on the protection of Ghanaians abroad is non-negotiable," one source said to Daily Graphic, adding that a visit in the current climate could do more harm than good for both leaders.

Ghana reportedly told South Africa that a state visit could proceed only after authorities took concrete action to stop the attacks and provided firm guarantees for the safety of Ghanaian nationals living in the country.

Despite the suspension of the planned visit, Ghanaian sources said relations between the two countries remained intact. They described the decision as a temporary pause based on security concerns rather than a breakdown in diplomatic ties.