His Excellency Mr. Charles Owiredu High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana to South Africa presented his credentials on Tuesday 12th October 2021 to His Excellency Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa in a very colourful ceremony which took place at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse. He was accompanied by Mr. Japhet Ofosu-Appiah, Deputy Head of Mission.
The High Commissioner arrived in South Africa in June but could not present his credentials earlier due to the COVID-19 restrictions and security concerns. Having presented his credentials signifies that the High Commissioner now has the full backing of the Government of the Republic of South Africa to fulfil the mandate assigned to him by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo President of the Republic of Ghana
He informed His Excellency Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of The Republic of South Africa that he had been sent by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, the President of the Republic of Ghana as his envoy to further strengthen the existing strong bonds of relations between the two countries and extended fraternal greetings from His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, The President of The Republic of Ghana.
The High Commissioner commended His Excellency Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa on the able manner in which he steered the affairs as chair of the African Union. The High Commissioner observed that under his leadership, he was able to champion the COVID-19 Agenda by taking the case of Africa to the G8 meeting which led to Africa being given more COVID-19 vaccines. He also highlighted the efforts made by the President which has led South Africa being on the verge of producing vaccines which it would eventually share with other brotherly African countries.
His Excellency Mr. Charles Owiredu recalled the strong bonds of political, social and economic relations between Ghana and south Africa which dates back to the apartheid era where Ghana was at the fore front of the African liberation movement. He mentioned the fact that as a sign of good relations between both countries, Ghana is happy about the elevation of their cooperation from a Joint Commission level to a Bi-National Commission.
He noted that of particular importance to Ghana is the Visa Waiver Agreement for holders of ordinary passports which would further consolidate their relationship for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their peoples. His Excellency Mr. Charles Owiredu expressed the hope that during his tenure in South Africa, he would work tirelessly to further deepen the relationship between both countries by working closely with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). He wished the President, Government and People of south Africa peace and prosperity.
The President in his remarks congratulated the High Commissioner and asked him to extend warm wishes to his friend and brother His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, the President of the Republic of Ghana.
