Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma, who arrived in Ghana last night, begins his state visit this morning, which will see the countries signing three bilateral agreements.
The three agreements that are to be signed include a Memorandum of Understanding on transport-related matters and electricity as well as a Bilateral Air Service Agreement.
During his visit to South Africa, the late Ghanaian President Atta Mills signed seven bilateral agreements.
This visit will also afford the two countries to assess progress regarding the implementation of the seven agreements.
President Zuma will also hold talks with his counterpart John Dramani Mahama, in which they will discuss among other things, political, economic and security cooperation.
“The visit is expected to strengthen the already existing cordial relations between South Africa and Ghana which date back to the liberation struggle period,” said Presidency spokesperson Mac Maharaj.
South Africa is the 14th largest investor in Ghana with investments amounting to more than R64 billion between 2003 and April 2013. There are more than 80 South African multinational and small scale companies registered in Ghana.
Ghana is a petroleum and natural gas producer, one of the world's largest gold and diamond producers, the second largest cocoa producer in the world.
In terms of trade and investments, Ghana represents a major export market for South African goods. In 2012, South African exports to Ghana were estimated at R5 billion and the imports from Ghana at R1.9 billion, and the bulk of which was crude oil.
President Zuma is accompanied by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane; Trade and Industry, Rob Davies; Transport, Dipuo Peters; Energy, Ben Martins; Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Tina Joemat-Peterson; Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom and Police, Nathi Mthethwa. - SAnews.gov.za
