President John Dramani Mahama has held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York, with discussions focusing on trade, technology, economic development, regional security and international cooperation.
President Mahama met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Kenyan President William Ruto, Jordan’s King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, Swiss President Guy Parmelin, and other international leaders and officials.
The engagements formed part of Ghana’s diplomatic activities at the 2026 United Nations General Assembly, as the government seeks to deepen economic partnerships and strengthen Ghana’s position in global affairs.
Mahama and Ruto Discuss Ghana-Kenya Trade
During his meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto, President Mahama discussed opportunities to expand Ghana-Kenya bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
The talks also covered regional security, diplomatic relations and Africa’s collective voice on global platforms.
Ghana and Kenya share longstanding ties dating back to the early Pan-African independence movement, with both countries playing important roles in Africa’s post-colonial political development.
President Ruto also commended Mahama for championing the Accra Reset agenda, which seeks to encourage greater financial independence and stronger domestic financing capacity for African countries.
The discussions are expected to contribute to efforts to strengthen economic relations between Ghana and Kenya while promoting greater African cooperation on international issues.
Ghana and Jordan Explore New Trade Opportunities
President Mahama also held talks with King Abdullah II of Jordan, focusing on ways to expand economic cooperation between Ghana and Jordan.
The two leaders explored opportunities for bilateral trade, investment and economic growth, including potential new partnerships between businesses and institutions in both countries.
The engagement forms part of Ghana’s broader efforts to diversify its international economic partnerships and attract investment into key sectors of the economy.
Mahama Seeks Swiss Support for Ghana’s Economic Transformation
In his meeting with Swiss President Guy Parmelin, President Mahama outlined measures being pursued by his administration to rebuild and strengthen Ghana’s economy.
The President discussed the economic challenges inherited by his government and highlighted strategies being implemented to improve economic management and strengthen public institutions.
Mahama also called for stronger Ghana-Switzerland cooperation in support of Ghana’s decentralisation programme.
Ghana Eyes Artificial Intelligence for Revenue Mobilisation
A major area of discussion with Switzerland was artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential application in Ghana’s economic management.
President Mahama identified AI as an important technology that Ghana could leverage to improve domestic revenue mobilisation and address gaps in revenue collection.
The proposed use of technology in revenue administration reflects the government’s broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s fiscal position and improve the efficiency of public financial management.
Mahama Meets UN Officials and Global Development Leaders
Beyond his meetings with heads of state, President Mahama also engaged with prominent international figures during the 81st UN General Assembly.
He met Rebeca Grynspan, Costa Rica’s candidate for United Nations Secretary-General, for discussions linked to international cooperation and the future of the United Nations.
President Mahama also met Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, who serves as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development, with discussions touching on financial inclusion and economic development.
The series of bilateral engagements forms part of Ghana’s participation in UNGA 2026, where President Mahama is advancing discussions on trade, investment, technology, development financing and stronger international partnerships.
Ghana Strengthens Global Economic Partnerships
President Mahama’s meetings in New York come as Ghana seeks to expand its international economic partnerships while promoting investment, technology transfer and sustainable economic growth.
The discussions with leaders from Kenya, Jordan and Switzerland, alongside engagements with United Nations officials, highlight Ghana’s focus on strengthening diplomatic relations and creating new opportunities for trade, investment, technology and economic cooperation.
The meetings are also expected to support Ghana’s broader efforts to mobilise international partnerships for economic transformation and sustainable development.
Source: newsthemegh.com