The Former Commissioner to South Africa and Member of Parliament for Abirem, Honourable Charles Asuako Owiredu has argued that postponing the South African President’s expected visit to Ghana was appropriate due to growing tensions surrounding xenophobic attacks against Africans living in South Africa.
He explained that the decision must be viewed within the context of diplomatic relations and the need to address sensitive issues affecting citizens of both countries.
Discussing the planned Ghana South Africa Bi National Commission, the Abirem MP stated that the engagement represents the highest level of cooperation between the two countries. He noted that the platform was created to strengthen discussions on trade, tourism, investment and people to people relations.
Honourable Owiredu explained that Ghana and South Africa previously operated through the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation, where sector ministers met to assess areas of collaboration. However, he said the arrangement was upgraded in 2022 after leaders recognised the importance of deepening relations between the two nations.
The Former Commissioner recalled that the decision to establish the Bi National Commission was taken during the administration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo to improve bilateral cooperation. He added that South Africa had remained one of Ghana’s major trading partners on the African continent, making the relationship strategically important.
He further stated that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to Ghana in 2022 marked the beginning of a new phase of cooperation, with a high level delegation accompanying him for discussions. Additionally, President Nana Akufo Addo later travelled to Pretoria in 2024 with officials to continue engagements under the commission.
“The Bi National Commission is the highest level of cooperation between two governments. It goes beyond ordinary meetings and focuses on strengthening relations between countries.”
Honourable Charles Asuako Owiredu
According to Honourable Owiredu, 2026 was expected to provide another opportunity for South Africa to lead discussions under the arrangement after previous engagements by both presidents. He, however, suggested that the current atmosphere created by xenophobic attacks made it difficult for such an important diplomatic meeting to proceed effectively.
The Abirem MP said tensions have increased following incidents involving attacks on Ghanaian and other African nationals in South Africa. He added that the situation has created difficulties in diplomatic communication between Ghanaian authorities and their South African counterparts.
Moreover, Honourable Owiredu revealed that his experiences engaging officials at the South African High Commission in Accra and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in Pretoria showed the seriousness of the matter. He explained that the current situation required careful diplomatic handling to protect existing relations.
Government Urged To Strengthen Action As Safety Of Citizens Abroad Remains Priority
Addressing the challenges affecting Ghanaian nationals in South Africa, Honourable Charles Asuako Owiredu called for stronger diplomatic measures to address the tensions arising from xenophobic attacks. He argued that the response from South African authorities must demonstrate commitment towards protecting foreign nationals and maintaining confidence between both countries.
The Former Commissioner stated that the handling of previous attacks has created dissatisfaction among affected communities and diplomatic observers. He pointed out that the absence of visible prosecutions against persons linked to such incidents had increased frustration among many Ghanaians.
Honourable Owiredu also mentioned the death of a Ghanaian citizen identified as another issue requiring urgent attention from authorities. He explained that delays surrounding the release of the remains for burial had added another layer of difficulty because of religious practices.
He said the circumstances surrounding the case required closer engagement between both governments to ensure that affected families received the necessary support. The Abirem MP added that protecting Ghanaian citizens abroad must remain a major responsibility of the state.
“Government must escalate the way we are handling this matter. The current approach has not produced the needed results.”
Honourable Charles Asuako Owiredu
Furthermore, Honourable Owiredu called for a review of Ghana’s diplomatic approach towards South Africa following previous engagements that produced limited outcomes. He stated that the Foreign Minister had already invited the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to discuss the matter and had written to the South African Foreign Minister.
The Former Commissioner proposed that Ghana should consider recalling its High Commissioner from South Africa as part of stronger diplomatic action. He added that suspending the Bi National Commission could also send a message about the seriousness of the issues affecting Ghanaian nationals.
According to the Abirem MP, both countries have significant economic interests that make their relationship valuable. He noted that South African businesses have major investments in Ghana while many Ghanaians also operate and contribute to economic activities in South Africa.
In addition, Honourable Owiredu stressed that diplomatic relations must be protected through effective dialogue and firm measures when challenges arise. He explained that maintaining cooperation requires both countries to address matters that affect citizens and businesses.
The Ranking Member further urged Ghana’s authorities to seek detailed information and pursue engagements that would produce practical solutions. He stated that stronger interventions could help rebuild trust while ensuring that the safety and dignity of Ghanaian citizens remain protected.
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