Ghana committed to strengthening bilateral relations with South Africa despite postponement of BNC – Mahama
President John Mahama says Ghana remains committed to strengthening its longstanding friendship and bilateral relations with South Africa despite the postponement of the third session of the countries’ Bi-National Commission (BNC). He says the postponement was due to prevailing challenges affecting people-to-people relations between the two countries. Receiving Letters of Credence from South…
President John Mahama has affirmed Ghana's determination to strengthen its historical ties with South Africa, despite the postponement of the third Bi-National Commission (BNC). The decision to delay the BNC session was a result of the existing challenges impacting people-to-people relations between the two nations, according to Mahama.
Following the receipt of new letters of credence from South Africa's High Commissioner Linda Vuyolwethu Shongwe and ten other envoys, the Ghanaian president reiterated the commitment to deepening the partnership in the spirit of longstanding friendship and solidarity.
Mahama highlighted that the postponement of the BNC did not deter Ghana's intention to further enhance bilateral relations. The president acknowledged a virtual meeting held in the first quarter of 2026 between senior officials from both countries, aimed at reviewing the implementation of decisions made at the second BNC. He emphasized that the partnership's foundation rests on the robust, long-standing friendly relations that trace back to the anti-apartheid struggle.
Welcoming the South African delegation to Ghana, Mahama expressed his warm welcome and reaffirmed the commitment to the strong partnership built over decades, rooted in mutual respect and shared history.
The Bi-National Commission serves as a formal bilateral cooperation forum, facilitating discussions and coordination on various issues of mutual interest, such as trade, investment, security, education, tourism, and diplomatic relations. The third session of the BNC was postponed in August 2026 due to rising diplomatic tensions, including anti-foreigner protests and xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Ghana's government cited the prevailing atmosphere as a concern that might overshadow the intended objectives of the bilateral engagement, originally scheduled for Accra from August 4-7, 2026. Additionally, President Mahama congratulated South Africa on successfully concluding its G20 presidency, praising the country's efforts in championing Africa's interests on the global stage.
Written by urgent.news from Adom Online's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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