The South African government has dismissed reports of a diplomatic disagreement with Ghana over President Cyril Ramaphosa’s proposed visit, clarifying that recent engagements between the two countries were focused on preparations for the next South Africa-Ghana Bi-National Commission (BNC) meeting and not a state visit.
The clarification follows reports suggesting that Ghana had declined to host President Ramaphosa amid concerns over recent anti-illegal migration protests in South Africa and the safety of Ghanaian nationals and other foreign residents.
The Business and Financial Times (B&FT) reported that South African Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya dismissed claims that Pretoria had requested a state visit by President Ramaphosa, explaining that the correspondence between officials of the two countries was instead related to arrangements for the upcoming BNC session.
Mr Magwenya said the communication between the two governments was part of normal diplomatic procedures ahead of the meeting, which serves as the main platform for coordinating bilateral cooperation between Ghana and South Africa.
“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,” he said.
He explained that the exchange should not be interpreted as a fresh diplomatic request, but rather as part of an already established engagement process between the two countries.
“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,” Mr Magwenya clarified.
Ghana-South Africa relations
The South African Presidency stressed that relations between Accra and Pretoria remain strong despite recent public discussions surrounding migration concerns and diplomatic exchanges.
According to Mr Magwenya, the Bi-National Commission remains a key mechanism for advancing cooperation in political, economic, defence, security and social sectors.
Established in 2019, the BNC serves as the highest institutional framework for bilateral engagement between Ghana and South Africa. The second session was held in South Africa in March 2024, while Ghana is expected to host the third session.
Mr Magwenya reaffirmed Pretoria’s commitment to strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
“South Africa remains committed to its strategic cooperation with Ghana which covers political, economic, defence and security and social sectors,” he said.
He added:
“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.”
He said officials from both countries would continue consultations through diplomatic channels to agree on a mutually convenient date for the next BNC meeting.
Migration concerns
The South African government also addressed concerns surrounding recent protests against illegal migration, which have triggered discussions about the treatment and safety of foreign nationals living in the country.
Mr Magwenya rejected suggestions that Ghanaian nationals had been specifically targeted during the demonstrations, insisting that there was no evidence to support such claims.
“We don’t believe there should be any tension whatsoever with Ghana. Or if there’s any basis for hostility between the two countries,” he said.
“There are no facts to support that Ghanaian nationals have been disproportionately affected by the recent wave of anti-illegal migration protests,” he added.
However, the South African official expressed concern over comments attributed to Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa and remarks made by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, arguing that they contributed to heightened public tensions.
“We are perturbed by their High Commissioner’s unverified public statements as much as we have noted the escalation of anti-South African rhetoric coming from their Foreign Minister,” he said.
Despite the concerns, Mr Magwenya maintained that Pretoria remains committed to preserving cordial relations with Accra.
“Notwithstanding all of that, we remain committed to maintaining warm diplomatic relations with Ghana and continuing to work with them in advancing the development of our continent,” he added.
Protecting bilateral cooperation
The clarification comes at a time when migration and the protection of foreign nationals have become sensitive issues across Africa, particularly as countries work towards deeper regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Ghana and South Africa remain key economic partners on the continent, with longstanding cooperation in trade, investment, mining, financial services, telecommunications, manufacturing, education, defence and security.
The latest clarification from Pretoria reflects ongoing efforts to separate recent migration concerns from the broader bilateral relationship between Ghana and South Africa.
