John Dramani Mahama has concluded a high-level official visit to France marked by strong diplomatic engagements, global health advocacy, and renewed economic cooperation between Ghana and France.
The President arrived in Lyon on Monday to co-chair the One Health Summit, where he joined world leaders and global health experts to address emerging health threats at the intersection of climate, ecosystems, and human wellbeing.
Welcomed warmly by members of the Ghanaian community in Lyon, President Mahama expressed appreciation for their support, describing their presence as “a reminder of the enduring bond between Ghana and its diaspora.”
At the summit on Tuesday, co-chaired with French President Emmanuel Macron, President Mahama delivered a keynote address calling for urgent, measurable action on global health challenges.
“The period of declarations must come to an end. What the world needs now is concrete, measurable action that addresses the root causes of emerging health threats,” he said.
He underscored the growing link between climate change, environmental degradation, and disease outbreaks, noting that Africa’s long-standing integrated approach to health places it at the center of the global “One Health” framework.
“For many African communities, the One Health concept is not theoretical it is a lived reality shaped by our relationship with nature, animals, and our environment,” he stated.
President Mahama also highlighted disparities in global health financing, warning that countries most vulnerable to health crises often lack the resources to respond effectively.
“Those at the frontline of global health risks remain the least equipped. This imbalance must be corrected if we are to build a truly resilient global health system,” he added.
Following the summit, the President travelled to Paris for official bilateral engagements on Wednesday.
His visit to the French capital began with a meeting at the Senate, where he was received with a military ceremony before holding talks with Senate President Gérard Larcher.
Discussions focused on trade and investment, regional security, and France’s support for Ghana’s maternal health and agricultural sectors.
Later at the Élysée Palace, President Mahama held wide-ranging bilateral talks with President Macron, covering cooperation in agriculture, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and regional security.
President Macron commended Ghana’s reform efforts and described the Accra Reset Initiative as a significant step toward economic resilience. He also confirmed Ghana as the first beneficiary of France’s new National Health Platform.
In response, President Mahama expressed gratitude for France’s continued partnership and acknowledged the role of international support in Ghana’s recent economic recovery.
“We are grateful for the support of France and our international partners in Ghana’s debt restructuring efforts. Today, our economy is showing strong and positive indicators of recovery,” he said.
The President noted that Ghana remains committed to deepening cooperation with France across key sectors, including infrastructure development such as the proposed Accra–Kumasi expressway.
President Mahama departed France after the conclusion of the Élysée talks, ending a visit that reinforced Ghana’s role on the global stage while advancing strategic partnerships in health, security, and economic development.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
