Mr Ramaphosa, who was sworn in on Thursday, promised to “turn the tide of corruption”.

He also spoke of accelerating land redistribution and outlined plans to boost the economy and create jobs.

His predecessor, Jacob Zuma, stepped down on Wednesday after pressure from the governing ANC party. He faces numerous corruption allegations.

Mr Ramaphosa, a 65-year-old former businessman, dedicated much of his address to parliament to job creation. He said that the country faced “tough decisions” because of its stagnating economy and large national debt.

He highlighted youth unemployment and said he planned to create a million paid internships in the coming years.

“This is the year in which we will turn the tide of corruption in our public institutions,” he said.

“We are determined to build a society defined by decency and integrity, that does not tolerate the plunder of public resources, nor the theft by corporate criminals of the hard-earned savings of ordinary people.”

He drew applause when he thanked South Africans for their patience during the last turbulent week.

Opposition Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane said the president could have pledged “bolder action”, and complained, “I heard more of the same stuff”.

But Julius Malema, head of the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters party, said he would give the new leader “the benefit of the doubt”.

Earlier in the week, the ANC (African National Congress) had told Mr Zuma to step down or face a vote of no-confidence in parliament on Thursday.

Mr Zuma, who had been in power since 2009, finally gave way in a resignation speech late on Wednesday.

The allegations of corruption he faces include claims that he allowed the wealthy Gupta family, to whom he has personal ties, to wield influence over government policy.

Both Mr Zuma and the Guptas have denied wrongdoing.

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Source: BBC

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He said Ramaphosa’s election is “well-deserved” and “a vindication of the trust and confidence reposed in you by the Members of the Parliament of South Africa, and by your great party, the African National Congress (ANC).”

Akufo-Addo said he was hopeful of a close working relationship with Cyril Ramaphosa to “improve the living conditions of our two peoples, and advance their mutual interests, and the wider interests of the African peoples.”

Ramaphosa was elected president of South Africa on Thursday following the resignation of Jacob Zuma on Wednesday night.

Ramaphosa was in 2017 elected president of the ANC when pressure  mounted on Zuma to step down.

Read Akufo-Addo’s statement below:

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

The Ghanaian people and I congratulate you warmly on your election, by the South African Parliament, on Thursday, 15^th February, 2018, and your subsequent swearing-in as the new President of the Republic of South Africa.

It is well-deserved, and a vindication of the trust and confidence reposed in you by the Members of the Parliament of South Africa, and by your great party, the African National Congress (ANC).

Your predecessor, His Excellency Jacob Zuma, is also to be commended for his patriotism and statesmanship in resigning his high office, to satisfy the demands of the South African people. I wish him the very best in his future endeavours.

Hopefully, South Africa, under your leadership, will succeed in overcoming her recent challenges, and reinforce her position as a champion of progress and prosperity on the African continent. A strong, united, prospering South Africa is a great force for progress in Africa.

The relations between Ghana and South Africa are firmly rooted in the common struggle of our two peoples for the liberation of our continent from foreign control, and also in our shared commitment to the building of the new Africa on principles of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law.

I look forward to working closely with you to improve the living conditions of our two peoples, and advance their mutual interests, and the wider interests of the African peoples.

Warm congratulations, once again, to you Mr. President, and to the good people of South Africa. Best wishes to you, and to the continued success of South Africa.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Speaking after allegations about his private life were published in newspapers, he accused political opponents of trying to smear him.

Mr Ramaphosa is planning to contest the leadership of the governing African National Congress (ANC).

President Jacob Zuma steps down from the post later this year.

Mr Ramaphosa’s private emails were apparently hacked into to prove an affair between him and a medical doctor.

The emails reportedly suggest he also had a series of affairs with young women, and had unprotected sex.

The deputy president admitted he had had an affair with a doctor eight years ago, but said the other women named in connection with him were students he and his wife supported to further their education.

Mr Ramaphosa had tried to block publication of the allegations in the courts, arguing that his private affairs were not in the public interest.

He also said he would ask the country’s inspector general of intelligence to investigate the hacking of his emails.

“I had a relationship with only one person and it ended. I dealt with it with my wife,” Mr Ramaphosa told South Africa’s Sunday Times.

“I have to be prevented at all costs from ascending to the position of president of the ANC. Some have even said it will be over their dead bodies.

“I have not committed any crimes, I have not stolen any money, I have not looted state resources. But I am being targeted and smeared.”

The 64-year-old and Mr Zuma’s ex-wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma are the front runners to replace Mr Zuma when he steps down as ANC president in December.

The leader of the ANC automatically becomes the party’s candidate for president of the country.

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Source: BBC

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