President William Ruto has departed for Accra, Ghana, to attend the inauguration of Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, in a statement issued on Monday, January 6, announced that the visit was in response to a special invitation extended by Mahama during his visit to Kenya in December 2024.
While in Accra, President Ruto is scheduled to engage in high-level talks with several Heads of State and Government, including the newly elected President Mahama.
“Discussions will focus on key areas of mutual interest and cooperation, including trade, energy, oil, textiles, agriculture, and diplomatic relations,” the statement read.
Additionally, the President will address proposed reforms within the African Union (AU) aimed at enhancing institutional efficiency and strategic focus.
President Ruto is also set to express his appreciation to Ghana for its endorsement of Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position.
“He will highlight Hon. Odinga’s pan-African vision and leadership credentials while thanking Ghana for its unwavering support for his candidacy,” Hussein Mohamed added.
This trip builds on prior engagements between the two nations. On December 29, 2024, President Ruto hosted President-elect Mahama at his residence in Kilgoris, Narok County.
Their discussions emphasized strengthening bilateral relations and advancing regional integration, continental security, and intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Kenya will enhance relations with Ghana by expanding sectors of collaboration, including trade, agriculture, mining, tourism, and oil and gas. This will broaden opportunities for the people of both countries and promote shared prosperity,” President Ruto stated.
He further confirmed his attendance at Mahama’s inauguration via a statement on X:
“Hosted Ghana’s President-elect @JDMahama, and discussed the expansion of intra-African trade under the AfCFTA. Thanked him for declaring his support for Hon. Raila Odinga’s AUC chairperson candidature. Also agreed to attend his swearing-in in Accra next month.”
President Ruto’s visit underscores Kenya’s commitment to fostering strong diplomatic ties within Africa and advancing the continent’s shared goals.
