Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane to co-chair South African-Ghana Permanet Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) to be held in Accra, Ghana from 9-11 March 2010.

The International Relations and Cooperation Minister H.E. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane will co-chair the Second Session of South Africa - Ghana Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) with Ghanain Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, HE Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, scheduled for 09-11 March 2010 in Accra, Ghana.

The PJCC was inaugurated in May 2007 as a structured mechanism that seeks to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and to consolidate the African agenda. The following Government Departments will participate in the Second Session: International Relations and Cooperation; Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Energy; Communications, Science and Technology; Police; Defence and Military Veterans; Arts and Culture and Trade and Industry.

It is envisaged that the following bilateral agreements will be signed during the Second Session of the Commission:

• Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of Foreign Relations between the government of the Republic of South Africa and the government of the Republic of Ghana
• Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the fields of Arts and Culture between the government of the Republic of South Africa and the government of the Republic of Ghana.

The Second Session of the PJCC will also present an opportunity for the two countries to further explore other areas of cooperation for the benefit of both countries.

While in Ghana Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane will deliver a lecture at the Cape Coast University on “Pan Africanism as it relates to Ghana.”

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane will be supported by High Commissioner Zodwa Lallie and senior government officials.

Bilateral relations

Bilateral political relations between South Africa and Ghana, one of the most stable multi-party democracies in the West African region, are very good, with both countries maintaining residential Diplomatic Missions in each other’s capitals. In 2007, South Africa and Ghana launched the Inaugural Session of the Permanent Joint Cooperation Commission (PJCC) in Pretoria. A Senior Officials’ Meeting took place from 8 to 10 May and then concluded with the PJCC at Ministerial level on 11 May 2007.

South Africa and Ghana share similar views on the reform of the United Nations and African representation in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and other decision-making organs of the UN. In addition South Africa and Ghana supported the setting up of the UN Human Rights Council and a Peace building Commission.

Ghana considers all member states of the African Union as its allies to some extent on the issues in the Middle East. Many of them have the same questions on the issues and have the same problems when it comes to responding. Ghana is most interested in hearing the ideas of the Security Council on this issue, from which a peaceful solution to the problem can hopefully be reached.

Ghana’s foreign policy is anchored on the priorities which include good governance, rule of law, respect for human rights, attainment of social justice and equality, ideas that are entailed in the constitution of South Africa.

Like South Africa, Ghana has contributed tremendously in the peacekeeping Missions in the region and in Africa. On the United States of Africa, Ghana is also of the view that the process of uniting Africa should be done gradually so as to allow all the processes to unfold.

Like South Africa, Ghana has prioritised ICT as a catalyst for growth and development. Both governments have prioritised funds to collaborate with public private partnerships in ICT.

Trade relations.

In recent years, trade between South Africa and Ghana has grown significantly. South African exports have grown from less than R1 billion in 1998 to over R3 Billion in 2008. Equally, imports from Ghana have shown constant increase during the same period. Products such as vehicles, machinery, mechanical appliances; electrical equipment, base metals, aircraft, vessels & associated products contributes to the increased exports to Ghana. In 2009 there was a decline of trade flow between the two countries and this could be attributed to the global economic meltdown.

There are 58 South African multinational and small scale companies registered in Ghana by 2008. The South African investors are prevalent in sectors such as mining, retail, insurance, transport, tourism, banking, telecommunications, construction, services, franchising, manufacturing, fishing, advertising, aviation and energy.

The two countries should take specific measures to promote and expand bilateral trade and investment. South Africa would like to further pursue investment opportunities in agro-processing, construction, energy, financial services, hospitality, ICT, mining, transport, oil and gas services.

For more information please contact the Chief Director for Public Diplomacy, Mr Saul Kgomotso Molobi, on 082 940 1647 or email him at molobisk@dirco.gov.za.

Department of International Relations and Cooperation
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
PRETORIA
0001

05 March 2010