SA and Ghana solidify bilateral relations

Friday, July 6, 2018

President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Ghanaian counterpart President Nana Akufo-Addo have entered into a Bi-National Commission (BNC) to forge a firmer strategic partnership.

The BNC, which was set up from the existing Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation, will see both countries commit to work together to elevate political, economic and social cooperation.

President Ramaphosa on Thursday hosted a State banquet during the two-day State visit of President Akufo-Addo.

“While we have noted with appreciation the increasing economic cooperation between our two countries, we have also urged our private sectors to take advantage of the economic opportunities existing in our respective countries.

“We have challenged them to identify game-changing economic projects in the identified sectors.” 

The President said the two countries should continue to play their part in the continental peace and security agenda. 
 
“Peace and security, similar to economic challenges, require that the continent works together to forge solutions to common challenges. To this end, we are committed to maintain and expand our bilateral defence cooperation.”

President Ramaphosa echoed President Akufo-Addo’s sentiments that transformation of the African economy cannot be achieved through aid.

The continent, President Ramaphosa said, has at its disposal an abundance of natural and human resources that can be developed and harnessed to put Africa on a path of sustainable economic development. 

“To do this, Africa has to embrace and participate meaningfully in the Fourth Industrial Revolution to develop our human capital and to beneficiate our natural resources. We must do more to promote intra-Africa trade and investment.”

Celebrating Madiba

President Akufo-Addo’s visit comes as South Africa marks the centenaries of Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu. On 18 July, the Ghanaian President will deliver the Nelson Mandela Memorial Lecture in Accra.  

“We pay homage to President Kwame Nkrumah, who famously declared: ‘Our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa’. We have taken to heart his message that there is a constant need for our continent to be unified in pursuit of our common goals,” said President Ramaphosa.

Several South African and other African countries freedom fighters and political refugees were welcomed in Ghana as they sought shelter from colonial persecution and apartheid destruction. 

Among them were Frantz Fanon, George Padmore, WEB Du Bois, Kwame Ture, Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela.
 
“They were not just given homes, passports and material support. They were given far more than that. They were also given hope, fortitude and courage to carry on with the fight for freedom. Once again, from the grateful people of Africa, we say: ‘Thank you, Ghana’,” said President Ramaphosa. – SAnews.gov.za