Ghana’s High Commissioner-designate to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, has confirmed that discussions are underway for Shoprite and Game, two South African retail giants that exited the country in recent years, to return.
He described ongoing engagements as part of a broader effort to create a conducive business environment and strengthen trade relations between the two countries.
According to Quashie, these companies previously faced operational challenges under the last administration, which hindered their ability to maintain sustainable operations. Under the current “reset agenda,” he said, Ghana is providing the necessary assurances and conditions to encourage reinvestment.
“They left because at that time, they said there were things that they expected the previous government to protect them from – but that wasn’t done so they had to close and leave”
Benjamin Quashie, Ghana’s High Commissioner-designate to South Africa
Quashie added that both sides are now examining how the regime change can benefit Ghana and South Africa alike. He emphasized that a return of these companies would not only restore competition in the retail sector but also support local industries and job creation.
He cautioned that Ghana must leverage such partnerships to ensure that raw material exports translate into tangible benefits for the country. “If we continue giving them the gold, they will keep adding value, selling it, and only giving us the money, but as a people, we will not have any real benefit,” he explained.
Quashie added that maximizing trade would require careful coordination and attention to local industries, ensuring both countries benefit from exports.
The High Commissioner-designate highlighted that his mandate includes broadening economic collaboration and promoting balanced trade. He said Ghanaian and South African businesses must operate in an environment that supports growth and profitability.
Quashie further stressed that the reset agenda aims to correct longstanding imbalances in trade while attracting foreign investors, particularly South African investors, back to Ghana.
“Leveraging trade and ensuring that businesses are able to function well is the hallmark of every leader,” Quashie said, emphasizing that improving bilateral trade requires active engagement and clear policy support.
Modernizing Ghanaian Diplomacy
Quashie also revealed that, for the first time ever, Ghana’s ambassadors will receive Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess their performance. He described the move as a step toward accountability and the modernization of Ghana’s diplomacy.
“It’s not going to be the usual ambassadorial position where you sit and do nothing. For the first time in the history of our country, there are going to be KPIs given to every ambassador. You will need to perform. There are targets. It’s going to be a case-by-case situation”
Benjamin Quashie, Ghana’s High Commissioner-designate to South Africa
He added that this aligns with the vision of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who is overseeing reforms to bring Ghanaian diplomacy in line with contemporary needs.
“The Minister has indicated that we will do a different kind of diplomacy, one we have not seen in a very long time,” Quashie said, noting that the approach will amend Ghana’s traditional foreign relations while remaining aligned with the country’s long-standing foreign policy principles.
In addition to trade and diplomacy, Quashie reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the welfare of Ghanaians living in South Africa. He stressed the importance of balancing the needs of both nations to maintain mutually beneficial relations.
“At the end of the day, I want the good people of Ghana in South Africa to be well taken care of and safe. Also ensure the people of South Africa are taken care of so that we have balanced trade”
Benjamin Quashie, Ghana’s High Commissioner-designate to South Africa
From September 1 to 5, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration will conduct an orientation workshop for ambassadors, high commissioners-designate, and consul-generals.
Quashie expressed optimism that, following the training, they will be sworn in and commence their duties officially.
