Ghana Chamber of Cannabis Commerce CEO Dr Mark Darko (pictured here) has withdrawn from ICS2026 at the end of the month citing concerns about the xenophobic atmosphere in South Africa.
“The decision not to travel to South Africa was not taken lightly both by myself and the CEO of Ghana Commodity Exchange with whom I planned to come,” Dr Darko told Cannabiz Africa on 16 June 2026..
“It followed careful consideration of the prevailing security situation, particularly in light of recent anti-immigrant incidents. Importantly, the decision was reinforced by a travel advisory issued by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, which advised Ghanaian citizens to reconsider any travel to South Africa until further notice. Given our duty of care to our team and delegation, we felt it prudent to comply with this guidance,” stated Dr Darko.
Ghana has so far repatriated 300 of its citizens following high-profile series of attacks and intimidation of its citizens, particularly in Durban. Nigeria followed suit, dispatching a carrier to repatriate 268 citizens last Thursday. Analyses so far indicate that government is on the backfoot,with commentators including Lesotho-born former SA statistician-general Pali Lehohla, stating that President Ramaphosa’s intervention had come too late. In a recent address to the nation, Ramaphosa sought to allay South Africans’ concerns over illegal immigration by announcing workplace inspections to root out illegals’ employment, among others.
However, Lehohla’s and others’ warnings that government is ill-equipped to handle the outbreak of probable large-scale xenophobic violence raise prospects of the repeat of the 2021 unrest over the jailing of former President Zuma, which resulted in 354 deaths in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Shops were looted and hundreds of businesses destroyed, denting business confidence and resulting indozens of countries issuing advisories against travel to South Africa.
In the latest such warning, Australia has cautioned its citizens against non-essential travel, joining the United States and Britain. They have warned citizens of heighted security risks in South Africa, citing violent crime, armed robberies, scams and the possibility of rampant xenophobia-related demonstrations.
In a bid to contain the hit on international perception, Business Unity South Africa (Busa) and Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) have urged government to be more proactive and address the situation by addressing citizens’ illegal immigration concerns.
“Our intended participation would have focused on presenting Ghana’s emerging cannabis industry, highlighting investment opportunities, recent regulatory developments, and fostering strategic partnerships across the African cannabis value chain,” said Dr Darko.
“We were especially looking forward to engaging with policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to advance regional cooperation and trade. Additionally we were planning a series of field visits to selected cultivation sites, processing facilities, and manufacturing operations in South Africa. These visits were intended to broaden our understanding of industry best practices, technological innovations, value-addition processes, and regulatory implementation within one of Africa’s most developed cannabis markets.”
Ghana’s withdrawal is an indication of the impact on business and business confidence in South Africa that continuing unrest and long-term political uncertainty continue to pose. The current two-year-old ANC and DA-led Government of National Unity (GNU) has largely stabilised markets. Last week, Fitch Ratings raised SA’s long-term foreign and local currency credit to BB from BB-minus. With local government elections scheduled for November however, some politicians have used the immigration issue for political mileage as evidenced by their equivocations on the matter.
In response to the violence, Ghana and Nigeria have suggested retaliatory actions. These normally take the targeting of South African businesses based in the two large African economies, including through boycotts. The two West African giants have also formally requested a debate at the Africa Union on the xenophobic attacks affecting their nationals in South Africa.
“Naturally, there is an opportunity cost. Industry gatherings such as this provide valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, investment discussions, and the development of cross-border partnerships,” said Darko, adding, “Safety considerations must take precedence,” while nonetheless voicing regret of a missed opportunity. “We remain committed to engaging with our South African colleagues and the wider African cannabis community through virtual platforms and future events when conditions are more favorable,” he concluded.
#
