Pres. Mahama Undertakes State Visit to Kenya, Strengthens Ghana–East Africa Ties
President John Dramani Mahama has begun a state visit to Kenya, marking a significant step in strengthening diplomatic, economic, and Pan-African ties between Ghana and East Africa.
The visit, undertaken at the invitation of Kenyan President William Ruto, underscores Ghana’s renewed focus on continental cooperation, trade integration, and political solidarity among African nations.
Guest of Honour at Jamhuri Day
As part of the visit, President Mahama is attending Kenya’s Jamhuri Day celebrations, which commemorate the country’s independence. His presence as Guest of Honour highlights the long-standing friendship between Ghana and Kenya a relationship rooted in shared independence struggles and Pan-African ideals championed by leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah and Jomo Kenyatta.
In remarks delivered during the celebrations, President Mahama emphasized the need for African nations to move beyond political independence toward economic self-reliance, urging stronger collaboration in trade, industrialisation, and innovation.
Focus on Economic Cooperation
The state visit also includes bilateral engagements aimed at deepening cooperation in key areas such as:
- Trade and investment
- Industrial development
- Youth and innovation
- Intra-African commerce under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
President Mahama reiterated Ghana’s commitment to building partnerships that promote value addition, job creation, and sustainable growth across the continent.
Pan-African Message
Beyond bilateral relations, the visit carries a broader Pan-African message, with President Mahama calling for African countries to work together to address shared challenges, strengthen regional institutions, and amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage.
Regional Diplomacy Continues
Following his engagements in Kenya, President Mahama is expected to continue his regional diplomatic activities with participation in high-level continental meetings, reinforcing Ghana’s active role in African affairs.
The visit to Kenya signals Ghana’s intent to re-energise African diplomacy, build strategic alliances beyond West Africa, and position itself as a key advocate for unity, cooperation, and economic transformation on the continent.