President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Moscow, Russia, to lead Ghana’s delegation to the third Russia–Africa Summit, scheduled for October 28–29, 2026. The summit is expected to focus on international peace, security cooperation, trade, investment and stronger economic relations between Russia and African countries.
President Mahama was welcomed at the airport by Ghana’s Ambassador to Russia, Dr Koma Steem Jehu-Appiah, embassy officials and representatives of the Russian government.
Mahama to Appeal to Putin for Russia–Ukraine Ceasefire
One of the major issues expected to feature during President Mahama’s visit is the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war. Speaking at the Financial Times Africa Summit in London on October 21, 2026, Mahama said he intended to appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin to consider a ceasefire.
The Ghanaian leader explained that the country’s non-aligned foreign policy, which he described as being “friends to all and enemies to none,” allows Ghana to maintain diplomatic relations with Russia, the United States, China and the European Union.
Mahama believes this balanced diplomatic approach provides Ghana with an opportunity to engage Russia on peace initiatives without taking sides in the conflict.
Mahama and Putin Expected to Hold Bilateral Talks
President Mahama is also expected to hold a high-level bilateral meeting with President Putin on the sidelines of the summit. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa previously indicated that the meeting could help strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between Ghana and Russia.
The discussions are expected to provide an opportunity to explore cooperation in trade, investment, security and other areas of mutual interest.
More than 30 African heads of state and government are expected to participate in the summit, which is being hosted by President Putin.
Ghana–Russia Relations and Security Cooperation
Beyond the Russia–Ukraine conflict, President Mahama is expected to participate in the summit’s economic and humanitarian forum, plenary sessions and other diplomatic engagements.
His programme also includes a visit to a kente exhibition organised by the Russia–Ghana Parliamentary Forum. In addition, two Russian universities—the Russian University of Transport and the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia—are scheduled to confer honorary doctorate degrees on the Ghanaian President at separate ceremonies.
Mahama is also expected to meet representatives of Russian businesses and state institutions to explore opportunities for economic cooperation and investment.
On regional security, the President has expressed Ghana’s willingness to engage with partners committed to combating terrorism in the Sahel. He previously stated that any country committed to fighting terrorism would be welcome to contribute to the effort.
The Moscow visit therefore presents an opportunity for Ghana to strengthen its international partnerships, promote peaceful conflict resolution and pursue economic opportunities while maintaining its non-aligned foreign policy.
Source: newsthemegh.com