South Africa’s High Commissioner-designate to Ghana, Grace Jeanet Mason, has presented her open letter to Ghana’s Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey yesterday in Accra.
Her visit, comes barely two weeks after her predecessor; Lulama Marytheresa Xingwana, ended her tenure as that country’s High Commissioner to Ghana earlier this month.
Grace Jeanet Mason, who was at the Ministry to present her open letter served as the Deputy Chief of Protocol at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa from September 2017, until her appointment as High Commissioner-Designate to Ghana.
Other positions she has occupied, include the Head of Protocol and Ceremonial at the Presidency, South Africa, from September 2015 to August 2017 and Director State Visits at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, from September 2009 to August 2015.
Receiving her to her office, Madam Ayorkor Botchwey, welcomed the High Commissioner-designate and hoped that, the laudable work that was started by Madam Marytheresa Xingwana, will be continued.
The Minister, regretted that even though there were a lot of work that needed to be done between the two countries, the global pandemic COVID-19 dragged them.
She was hopeful, Grace Jeanet Mason will continue immediately from where her predecessor left. She commended her for her new role and appointment as a worthy representative of her country.
Madam Ayorkor Botchwey, recalled the longstanding historical relations between Ghana and her South African counterpart dating back to the liberation struggle in Africa.
She said the bond between Ghana-South Africa, have been underpinned by the two countries shared values of mutual respect, commitment to democracy, good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
The Minister noted the friendship and relations between the two countries, have even been stronger in recent years with several exchanges of high-level visits which have resulted in economic dividends for the two countries.
She recalled President Akufo-Addo’s State visit to South Africa in July 2018, where a decision was taken to elevate the bilateral framework and the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) between Ghana and South Africa, to a Bi-National Commission.
Also, she referred to the President’s visit in December 2018, to attend the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, held under the auspices of the government of South Africa and the House of Mandela, as part of the Centenary celebration of President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
She further, recalled the participation of the President in the first and second African Investment Fora organized by the African Development Bank in Sandton, Johannesburg in November 2018 and November 2019, respectively.
She expressed the hope that, Ms. Mason would work to strengthen the already cordial relations between the two countries during her tenure, assuring her that the Government of Ghana, will support her to ensure a successful tour of duty in Ghana.
The Minister, assured her of government commitment to ensure that she serves her tenure successfully.
Grace Jeanet Mason, expressed her appreciation to the Minister for her warm reception and said she was looking forward to start work.
She reiterated the South African government will continue to strengthen the strong bilateral relations between the two nations for mutual benefits.
