Ghana Committed to Deepening South Africa Ties Despite BNC Postponement- President Mahama
Ghana remains committed to strengthening its longstanding relationship with South Africa despite challenges affecting relations between citizens of the two countries, President John Dramani Mahama has assured.
The President gave the assurance on Wednesday, when he received Letters of Credence from South Africa’s newly accredited High Commissioner to Ghana, Ms Linda Vuyolwethu Shongwe, at the Presidency.
He said the relationship between the two countries was built on longstanding friendship and solidarity, dating back to Ghana’s support for South Africa during the struggle against apartheid.
President Mahama acknowledged that the challenges affecting people-to-people relations had affected the diplomatic engagement between the two countries, resulting in the postponement of the third session of the Ghana-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC).
“The third session of the BNC was postponed due to the prevailing challenges affecting our people-to-people relations,” he said.
He, however, stressed that the difficulties would not diminish Ghana’s commitment to maintaining and deepening its relationship with South Africa.
“However, in the interest of our long-standing bonds of friendship and solidarity, Ghana is committed to further enhancing bilateral relations between our two countries,” the President stated.
The postponement came against the background of tensions following anti-foreigner protests and attacks on foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, which raised concerns in Ghana about the safety of its citizens and the treatment of other African nationals. Ghana subsequently called for action to address the concerns and engaged South African authorities through diplomatic channels.
President Mahama also acknowledged a virtual meeting of senior officials from Ghana and South Africa held in the first quarter of 2026 to review the implementation of decisions taken at the second session of the Bi-National Commission.
The BNC serves as a formal platform for the two countries to review bilateral cooperation and advance agreements in areas of mutual interest.
The President reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the partnership, which he said was anchored on historical ties and the shared interests of the two countries.
“I warmly welcome you to Ghana and reaffirm our commitment to the strong partnership built with your country, which is anchored on long-standing friendly relations and dates to the era of the fight against apartheid,” he said.
He also congratulated South Africa on the successful conclusion of its G20 presidency and commended the country for advocating Africa’s priorities on the international stage.
President Mahama expressed confidence that continued diplomatic engagement would help strengthen cooperation and preserve the bonds of friendship between the two countries.
The assurance signals Ghana’s intention to keep diplomatic and economic relations with South Africa on course while both countries work through the challenges affecting relations between their citizens.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
