Ghana committed to strengthening bilateral relations with South Africa despite postponement of BNC – Mahama

President John Mahama says Ghana remains committed to strengthening its longstanding friendship and bilateral relations with South Africa despite the postponement of the third session of the countries’ Bi-National Commission (BNC).

He says the postponement was due to prevailing challenges affecting people-to-people relations between the two countries.

Receiving Letters of Credence from South Africa’s new High Commissioner to Ghana, Ms Linda Vuyolwethu Shongwe, and ten other envoys, President Mahama said Ghana remains committed to deepening the partnership in the interest of the longstanding bonds of friendship and solidarity.

He said, “The third session of the BNC (Bi-National Commission) was postponed due to the prevailing challenges affecting our people-to-people relations.

However, in the interest of our long-standing bonds of friendship and solidarity, Ghana is committed to further enhancing bilateral relations between our two countries”

President Mahama acknowledged a virtual senior officials meeting held in the first quarter of 2026 between the two countries to discuss the status of implementation of decisions reached at the second Bi-National Commission.

He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the partnership, which he said was anchored on longstanding friendly relations dating back to the struggle against apartheid.

“I warmly welcome you to Ghana and reaffirm our commitment to the strong partnership built with your country, which is anchored on long-standing friendly relations and dates to the era of the fight against apartheid,” he said.

The Bi-National Commission(BNC) is a formal bilateral cooperation mechanism between Ghana and South Africa, through which the two countries discuss and coordinate areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, security, education, tourism and diplomatic relations.

The postponement of the third Ghana-South Africa Bi-National Commission followed heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries in June and July 2026, after renewed anti-foreigner protests and xenophobic attacks in parts of South Africa.

Ghana’s government said the prevailing atmosphere could overshadow the objectives of the bilateral engagement, originally scheduled for August 4-7, 2026, in Accra.

President Mahama also congratulated South Africa on the successful conclusion of its G20 presidency and commended its efforts in advocating for Africa’s priorities on the international stage.