Presidents Ramaphosa and Akufo-Addo
PRETORIA – President Cyril Ramaphosa championed the drive for increased trade and investment between South Africa and Ghana during the opening remarks at the second session of the South Africa-Ghana Bi-National Commission (BNC), setting a robust agenda for economic collaboration beyond existing frameworks.
Addressing esteemed delegates at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s OR Tambo Building in Pretoria, President Ramaphosa declared, “In addition to the many areas of cooperation that the BNC covers, it is important that we explore how best both countries can increase trade and investment among ourselves.”
The anticipated Business Forum, set to convene on the sidelines of the BNC, is aimed at fostering commercial partnerships. “The purpose of the Business Forum that will take place on the margins of this BNC is to expand trade and investment between our two countries,” the President elaborated.
He acknowledged the substantial presence of South African companies in Ghana, urging expansion and inviting Ghanian investors to explore the South African market. “Ghana is host to several South African companies. Our companies are keen to expand their investments in Ghana and look to us to work together to improve the business environment. We invite investors from Ghana to look at opportunities in our country,” he asserted.
The value of cooperation extended to state sectors, with President Ramaphosa advising President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the merits in procuring within Africa. “There is also scope for collaboration in infrastructure between our two economies, particularly in the building of dry ports, railway networks, airports and hospital facilities. There are also opportunities to be explored in the pre-chemicals sector,” the President highlighted.
Maritime potential was another focal point, with President Ramaphosa stressing the need to augment shipping and related economies due to both countries’ coastal positions. Tackling declines in bilateral trade head-on, he identified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as pivotal in transforming trade dynamics. “On the 31st of January 2024, South Africa sent its first shipment to Ghana and other countries under the AfCFTA Agreement. This is an important first step,” he proclaimed.
The efficacy of agreements between the nations remains imperative, as pointed out by President Ramaphosa who insisted on swift implementation and conclusion of ongoing talks. He cited the visa exemption deal implemented on the 1st of November 2023 as a significant leap in bolstering travel, business, and interpersonal links.
Addressing global concerns, President Ramaphosa implored for concerted efforts to maintain peace and stability. “Internal strife, conflicts and wars, compounded by terrorism and violent extremism, are a major obstacle to peace, security and stability,” he remarked, calling for the empowerment of the African Union in the face of enduring conflicts from Sudan to Mozambique.
Turning to matters of governance, with many African countries, including both South Africa and Ghana, poised for elections, the President underlined their relevance to democracy’s fortitude on the continent, while expressing concern over increasing unconstitutional governmental changes, citing global tensions like the Russia-Ukraine war impacting Africa’s socio-economic landscape.
In closing, President Ramaphosa stood in solidarity with those experiencing the effects of occupation and dispossession globally, reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to supporting oppressed nations such as Palestine and Western Sahara.
