Ghana’s newly appointed High Commissioner to South Africa, with concurrent accreditation to Eswatini, Mauritius, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Seychelles, Benjamin Kofi Quashie, has pledged to renew and strengthen Ghana’s diplomatic relations with South Africa by driving greater foreign direct investment and promoting closer economic cooperation between the two nations.
Mr. Quashie’s commitment comes in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to newly appointed Ghanaian envoys to reimagine the country’s diplomatic missions as platforms for economic advancement—focusing on trade facilitation, investment attraction, and innovation promotion.
Speaking ahead of his official assumption of duty, the High Commissioner-designate emphasized that relations between Ghana and South Africa remain deeply rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and robust cooperation, both diplomatically and economically. He noted that the two countries are key partners within the African Union (AU) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework—offering vast opportunities for enhanced trade and person-to-person engagement.
“Ghana and South Africa are strategic partners whose collaboration continues to shape continental development. I intend to build on this foundation by creating pathways for greater economic engagement, tourism promotion, and investment flow between our nations,” Mr. Quashie stated.
He further pledged to serve as a chief advocate for Ghana’s tourism and investment potential, targeting South African and international investors based in South Africa. As part of his agenda, he promised to ensure that Ghanaian citizens in South Africa enjoy easy access to consular services, putting an end to the challenges and exploitative practices that some citizens have experienced in recent years.
Mr. Quashie also outlined plans to increase the representation of Ghanaian professionals in the Eastern Cape and other provinces, through proactive outreach and improved communication from the High Commission. His emphasis on community engagement and responsiveness reflects growing calls from the Ghanaian diaspora for more accessible and service-oriented diplomatic representation.
In his address, the incoming High Commissioner reassured the Ghanaian community in South Africa of his unwavering commitment to protect their welfare, encourage law-abiding behaviour, and foster unity among the diaspora. He noted that his leadership at the mission would prioritize effective service delivery and continuous dialogue between the High Commission and Ghanaian nationals.
“My duty is not only to represent Ghana’s diplomatic interests but also to ensure that our citizens abroad feel supported, respected, and heard,” he said.
Profile of the New High Commissioner
Before his appointment, Mr. Quashie served as the Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Council of Elders in South Africa, where he played a pivotal role in mobilizing support among the diaspora for President John Mahama and the NDC during the 2024 elections.
He is the Founder and President of the BKQ Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting the underprivileged and empowering youth through education and entrepreneurship. His humanitarian efforts have earned him recognition both in Ghana and abroad.
Mr. Quashie holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Cumbria’s Robert Kennedy College and a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) from Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts. Additionally, he has pursued multiple programs at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), specializing in business, international relations, political economy, public policy, and real estate economics and finance.
As a Senior Fellow of the African Youth Chamber, he was instrumental in promoting youth-focused policies across Africa, ensuring that young voices are included in policy processes and facilitating collaborations between governments, private institutions, and international organizations.
Beyond his diplomatic and philanthropic achievements, Benjamin Quashie is a successful business mogul with a conglomerate of companies operating within and outside Ghana. In his previous role as Executive Director of the Commonwealth Youth Chamber, he represented young people across 56 Commonwealth nations, advocating for youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.
He also launched a flagship entrepreneurship programme that has supported over 500 young entrepreneurs in establishing and expanding their businesses—further demonstrating his commitment to sustainable development and innovation.
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