South Africa Presidency Reacts After Reports Mahama Rejected Cyril Ramaphosa Visit
- The South African Presidency dismissed reports of a diplomatic rift with Ghana over a proposed visit from Cyril Ramaphosa
- A presidential spokesperson explained the extent of correspondence between the two countries amid rumours that went viral
- South Africa said both countries would continue discussions through diplomatic channels to agree on the next BNC session
The South African Presidency has denied reports of a diplomatic dispute with Ghana, clarifying that recent official correspondence between the two governments was limited to preparations for the upcoming Bi-National Commission meeting and did not involve any request for a state visit by Cyril Ramaphosa.
Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya addressed the reports, which followed rumours online that Ghana had declined a request for President Ramaphosa to undertake an official state visit amid public concern over anti-immigration protests and attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.
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Joy News reported that Vincent Magwenya was categorical in refuting the characterisation of events.
According to him, Pretoria's communication with Accra was confined to seeking confirmation of arrangements for the third session of the Bi-National Commission, an engagement both governments had already agreed upon following the conclusion of the previous BNC meeting.
"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 drew a clear distinction between a formal state visit and a working visit conducted within the framework of the BNC, describing the two as very different in nature and diplomatic significance.
The commission was established in 2019 as the primary institutional platform for bilateral engagement between Ghana and South Africa, covering political, economic, defence, security and social cooperation.
Its second session took place in South Africa in March 2024, with Ghana expected to host the third edition.
The South African Presidency stressed that relations between the two countries remain solid and that the exchange of diplomatic correspondence represented routine procedural steps within an already agreed process.
Mahama defends South African president
Ghana and South Africa have traditionally had strong relations, with the country even stepping in amid a diplomatic spat with the US.
YEN.com.gh reported that President John Mahama had previously criticised US President Donald Trump over false claims of a genocide of white people in South Africa, as well as land seizures.
In an editorial in The Guardian, Mahama said the comments were an insult to Africans and said Trump’s 2025 ambushing of Ramaphosa over claims of racial bias were unfounded and insulting.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
