In a move to strengthen bilateral relations with Ghana, President Cyril Ramaphosa met with his Ghanaian counterpart, Nana Akufo-Addo, for a state visit yesterday in Accra.
Addressing delegates at the Ghana-South Africa roundtable, Ramaphosa confirmed South Africa’s commitment to the West African nation, as both countries look to benefit from their respective geographical positions.
“With Ghana as a key hub in West Africa, and South Africa as a key hub in Southern Africa, the strength of our relationship has the potential to more deeply connect our respective regions, and expand the scope of shared, inclusive regional trade,” said Ramaphosa.
South Africa is a leading importer of Ghanaian products on the continent, with Ramaphosa urging the two nations to work even more closely to reap maximum benefits of the partnership.
“South Africa is already the largest purchaser of Ghanaian exports in Africa, and the third largest importer of Ghanaian products globally. Between 2016 and 2018, Ghanaian exports to South Africa grew faster than to any other major trading partner.
Ramaphosa added: “We recognise that as African countries, we cannot succeed without our partners in Africa succeeding. As Ghana develops, South Africa gains from new and more competitive suppliers on the continent.”
In 2018, Ghana exported over $900m worth of gold and over $800m in crude oil to South Africa. – Bjorn Vorster
