South Africa has denied reports that Ghana declined a request to host President Cyril Ramaphosa, saying recent diplomatic exchanges were solely about preparations for the next Ghana-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) meeting.
According to Business and Financial Times, South African Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said there was no request for a state visit.
“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.
Magwenya explained that the correspondence formed part of routine preparations for the third BNC session, which Ghana is expected to host.
He also addressed concerns following recent anti-illegal migration protests in South Africa, saying there was no evidence that Ghanaian nationals had been specifically targeted.
“We don’t believe there should be any tension whatsoever with Ghana,” he said.
While expressing concern over comments attributed to Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa and Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Magwenya said South Africa remained committed to maintaining strong diplomatic ties with Ghana and continuing bilateral cooperation.
