South African President, Jacob Zuma has announced Ghana's nomination to receive the prestigious Africa Peace Award slated for South Africa next year, in recognition of her shining example in promoting democracy, good governance, peace and security.

He said the award, which would be conferred on the country by the African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD), is expected to be received by President John Mahama, on behalf of the country.

President Zuma disclosed this in a joint media briefing to mark his three-day state visit to Ghana saying, “we look forward to hosting President Mahama next year in South Africa to receive the award.”

He underscored the importance for the two countries to work tirelessly to build a peaceful and prosperous Africa, to fulfill the objectives set by the African Union, adding “we are both committed to regional integration and the formation of free trade zones within the continent.”

According to him, the implementation of the AU Infrastructure Development Programme by member-countries would enhance economic development and change the face of the continent.

“The future looks bright, we are determined to give meaning to the vision of our fore-fathers,” President Zuma said, adding that Ghana and South Africa were known for their commitment to peace, peacekeeping and reconstruction on the continent.

President John Mahama thanked President Zuma for embarking on the reciprocal visit, following the 2011 state visit to South Africa by the late President John Evans Atta-Mills.

He noted that the agreements which had been signed between the two countries showed that Ghana and South Africa were ready to increase the volume of trade between them. “Africa must look inward to consolidate trade and investment among ourselves,” he added.

“We note with pride the remarkable transformation of South Africa under your leadership and also note with pride your efforts at bringing peace to troubled spots on the continent,” President Mahama added.

A joint communiqué issued at the end of the visit and read by the Foreign Minister, Ms Hannah Tetteh, noted that the two leaders held fruitful discussions on a wide-range of issues of mutual interest and in furtherance of co-operation at the bilateral, regional and international levels.

They welcomed the tangible and significant progress made in co-operation in the fields of energy, science and technology, trade and industry, tourism, agriculture and transport, as reflected in the outcome of the third session of the Ghana-South Africa Permanent Joint Commission for Co-operation, held in Pretoria on November 5, this year.

President Mahama and President Zuma expressed satisfaction with the continuously expanding bilateral trade and direct investments as well as progress made in consultations, aimed at unlocking bottlenecks in market access.

The two leaders observed the signing of agreements/Memoranda of Understanding between their countries, namely, a bilateral air services agreement, co-operation in transport-related matters, co-operation in the field of electricity; and a MoU between the Ghana Standards Authority and the South African Bureau of Standards.

President Mahama has since seen off President Zuma who was accompanied to Ghana by seven cabinet ministers and a large business delegation.