The sound of firing cannons echoed across Pretoria on Thursday morning as President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who is on a State Visit to South Africa, was welcomed by the customary gun salutes performed by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

Several Ghanaian and South African flags decorated the grand Union Buildings, with some hoisted side by side, as the official ceremony hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa kicked off. The South African leader was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Tshepo Motsepe while Akufo-Addo was with his spouse, Rebecca Akufo-Addo.

President Akufo-Addo inspected the SANDF guard of honour, before the two heads of state, supported by their Cabinet ministers and officials went into a closed-door meeting.

The Presidency in Pretoria said the State Visit aims to strengthen “the already good political, economic and social relations that South Africa and Ghana enjoy, which were formalised at the advent of democracy in South Africa”. 

In May 2007, the two countries established a Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC), as a structured bilateral mechanism to provide for political, economic, social, cultural, scientific and technical cooperation.

“The State Visit is anticipated to provide an opportunity for the two presidents to further strengthen and deepen the bilateral relations between the two countries, paying a particular focus on economic, cultural and scientific cooperation. The two leaders will further discuss issues of mutual interest and concern at the continental and global levels, particularly security, peace and stability in the continent,” said the Presidency in a statement to the media.

The two leaders are set to address a joint press briefing after their engagement.

President Ramaphosa and President Akufo-Addo will also address the South Africa-Ghana Business Forum which will bring together business people from both countries to explore further trade and economic cooperation.