The South African Presidency has refuted reports of a diplomatic misunderstanding with Ghana over claims that Ghana refused to host President Cyril Ramaphosa
The report indicates that the South African Presidency has refuted reports of a diplomatic misunderstanding with Ghana over claims that Ghana refused to host President Cyril Ramaphosa, explaining that recent official exchanges between the two countries concerned only preparations for the next South Africa-Ghana Bi-National Commission (BNC) meeting, not a proposed state visit.
It further notes that the clarification comes amid public attention following recent anti-illegal migration protests in South Africa, which have raised concerns among several African countries, including Ghana, over the safety of their nationals.
The Business and Financial Times (B&FT) reports that the South African Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya dismissed claims that Pretoria had requested a state visit by President Ramaphosa.
Instead, he stated South Africa had sought confirmation from Ghana regarding arrangements for the third session of the Bi-National Commission, an engagement that had already been agreed upon by both governments.
“The request was to confirm the seating of the BNC, which was to be co-chaired by both Presidents and had already been agreed upon after the last BNC meeting. There was no request for a state visit,” Mr Magwenya said.
According to the South African Presidency, the exchange of correspondence between officials formed part of the normal diplomatic process preceding meetings of the Bi-National Commission, the principal framework through which Ghana and South Africa coordinate bilateral cooperation.
Mr Magwenya explained that the communication should not be interpreted as a fresh diplomatic request but rather as routine arrangements within an already established process.
“The latest correspondence was more of a formality than a new request. It was within the context of an already established process between the two countries. There was no request for a state visit which is very different from a working visit over a BNC,” he clarified.
The clarification follows media reports suggesting that Ghana’s government had declined a request for President Ramaphosa to undertake a state visit amid public concern over recent anti-immigration demonstrations and attacks involving foreign nationals in South Africa.
The South African Presidency emphasised that relations with Ghana remain strong and continue to be anchored in broad cooperation across political, economic and social sectors.
The Bi-National Commission, established in 2019, serves as the highest institutional platform for bilateral engagement between the two countries. Its second session was held in South Africa in March 2024, while Ghana is expected to host the third meeting.
Mr Magwenya reaffirmed Pretoria’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding partnership.
“South Africa remains committed to its strategic cooperation with Ghana which covers political, economic, defence and security and social sectors,” he said.
“Deepening cooperation between the two countries is not only in the national interest of the two sister nations, but also crucial to advancing the African Agenda.”
