Ghana’s High Commissioner-designate to South Africa, Mr. Benjamin Quashie, has credited Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, with playing a key role in managing tensions between Accra and Pretoria over the ongoing standoff with MultiChoice, operators of DStv.
Speaking in an interview with JoyNews’ Blessed Sogah, Mr. Quashie emphasized that the matter is not a trade war but a regulatory disagreement that is being addressed diplomatically.
He noted that Mr. Ablakwa has been engaging South African authorities behind the scenes to reassure them of Ghana’s commitment to its bilateral relationship.
“The Foreign Affairs Minister has done a lot of work behind the scenes. He has worked extra hard to ensure that the South Africans come on board properly. He has also indicated to the South African authorities that we are not in a war with them. We just want the right thing to be done. And knowing the Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa, once he is in there, we will get a solution together with the Communications Minister,” Mr. Quashie said.
The standoff stems from a directive by Communications Minister Sam George for MultiChoice to reduce subscription fees in Ghana, citing price disparities across the sub-region.
MultiChoice, however, has argued that operational costs make it difficult to implement the minister’s directive within the timeline provided, insisting that it requires more time.
Mr. Quashie explained that Ablakwa’s interventions are helping to prevent the issue from escalating into a diplomatic rift. “Diplomacy will solve it. It’s true they’ve complained that it is being done in the public domain, but the Foreign Affairs Minister has already assured them that it will be solved in the boardroom,” the High Commissioner-designate revealed.
He stressed that both Ghanaian consumers and South African businesses must be protected, adding that the matter should be approached with tact to safeguard investor confidence.
“South Africa is one of Ghana’s biggest trading partners. We ought to tread cautiously because we have a lot of agreements with them. At the end of the day, we must do it in a way that benefits both countries,” he noted.
Mr. Quashie also dismissed fears of a diplomatic fallout, insisting that the Foreign Minister’s efforts are already yielding results.
“This is just a phase. There’s no trade war. We’ve seen what trade wars are, and Ghana and South Africa are not going down that path. With Mr. Ablakwa’s leadership and the ongoing diplomatic engagements, we will get a solution,” he assured.
Source: Newstitbits.com
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