5 January 2001
Deputy President Jacob Zuma will represent the government of South Africa at the Inaugural Ceremony of the newly elected President of Ghana John Agyekum Kufuor scheduled for Sunday 7 January 2001.
Deputy President Zuma, accompanied by among others Acting Director General of Foreign Affairs Welile Nhlapo will depart South Africa on Saturday 6 January from Waterkloof Airbase.
During his visit to Ghana, Deputy President Zuma will have an occasion to meet with the new President, in which the Deputy President will reaffirm South Africa's interest in strengthening bilateral relations with Ghana. Agreements for co-operation in the area of trade and defence were signed during President Mbeki's state visit to Ghana in October, and will now be implemented in a concrete manner.
According to statistics released by the Department of Trade and Industry, in 1999, Ghana ranked at number 36 in terms of the export markets, while it ranked number 77 in terms of exports. During the same year Ghana ranked at position 48 with South Africa having a R535 million surplus.
South Africa's major exports consisted of base metals, machinery and mechanical appliances, chemicals and allied products, prepared foodstuffs, beverages, spirits, vinegar and tobacco, mineral products and plastics and rubber.
South Africa's mining houses are involved in mining ventures in Ghana. Gencor's acquisition of Royal Dutch Shell's mining arm, Biliton, has given it ownership of the Bogosu gold and silver mine: JCI has won the management contract for the Prestea Mine and Goldfields is turning production around at the Tarkwa mine. SAB has acquired majority shareholding in Accra Breweries limited, which is listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. The Profern Group has opened a large network of retail stores in Ghana, while Stanbic Bank has opened a branch in Accra.
SAA has increased its frequency to three times a week from July 2000. In addition SAA is in a strategic partnership with Ghana Airways as well as establishing a code share agreement.
For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853.
Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
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