South Africa denies Ghana rejected Ramaphosa visit

The South African Presidency has dismissed reports suggesting that Ghana turned down a request to host President Cyril Ramaphosa for a state visit, insisting that no such request was ever made.

According to South African Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, recent diplomatic exchanges between Pretoria and Accra were solely focused on preparations for the upcoming third session of the South Africa-Ghana Bi-National Commission (BNC), which both countries had previously agreed to convene.

His clarification follows widespread reports claiming that Ghana had declined to receive President Ramaphosa amid concerns over the safety of Ghanaians in South Africa following recent anti-illegal migration protests and attacks involving foreign nationals.

Speaking to the Business & Financial Times, Magwenya said the correspondence between the two governments was aimed at confirming arrangements for the next BNC meeting rather than seeking approval for a presidential state visit.

"The request was to confirm the sitting 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," he said.

He explained that the communication formed part of the routine diplomatic process preceding meetings of the Bi-National Commission, the highest platform for bilateral cooperation between Ghana and South Africa.

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According to Magwenya, the exchange should not be interpreted as a new diplomatic initiative but rather as a procedural step towards organising the commission's next session.

"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 stated.

The South African Presidency also rejected suggestions that relations between the two countries had been affected by the recent reports, maintaining that Ghana and South Africa continue to enjoy strong diplomatic ties in areas including politics, trade, security and social development.

Established in 2019, the South Africa-Ghana Bi-National Commission serves as the principal framework for advancing cooperation between the two countries. Its second session was held in South Africa in March 2024, while Ghana is expected to host the third meeting.

AM/MA

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