Prez Mahama reaffirms Ghana-South Africa friendship as new envoy assumes duty

President John Mahama emphasized Ghana's enduring commitment to strengthening its friendship and bilateral ties with South Africa, even as the third session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) was postponed. This decision came due to ongoing challenges impacting people-to-people relations between the two nations. President Mahama delivered these remarks during a ceremony at which he received the Letters of Credence from South Africa's new High Commissioner to Ghana, Ms. Linda Vuyolwethu Shongwe, and ten other envoys.

At the event in Accra, President Mahama reiterated Ghana's dedication to multilateralism and global peace. As a UN member committed to the UN's purposes and principles, Ghana remains steadfast in its pursuit of international peace, prosperity, and dignity for all. He urged the newly appointed envoys to actively engage in fostering new areas of meaningful cooperation that would positively impact the lives of both nations.

Speaking specifically to Ms. Shongwe, the new High Commissioner of South Africa, President Mahama warmly welcomed her to Ghana and reaffirmed the strong partnership between the two countries. This partnership is built on long-standing friendly relations, dating back to the fight against apartheid. He also congratulated South Africa on its successful conclusion of its G20 presidency and on its efforts to advocate for Africa's priorities on the global stage.

President Mahama noted that officials from both countries had recently met virtually to review progress on earlier agreements. He acknowledged the virtual senior officials meeting in the first quarter of 2026, which discussed the implementation status of the second Bi-National Commission's minutes. Regarding the postponed third BNC session, he acknowledged the challenges affecting people-to-people relations but emphasized Ghana's commitment to enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations.