President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Gabon, describing the official visit of Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema as the beginning of a new and stronger chapter in the partnership between the two African nations.
Speaking at an official state dinner held in honour of President Nguema and his delegation, President Mahama extended a warm welcome, describing the visiting leader not only as an official guest but as “a dear brother and friend.”
“We receive you and your delegation not merely as official visitors, but as cherished brothers and sisters of our African family and as partners in Africa’s continuing journey towards dignity, peace, prosperity and progress for our people,” President Mahama said.
The Ghanaian leader commended President Nguema for steering Gabon through a successful political transition, noting that the country’s inclusive national dialogue and the presidential election of April 2025 had restored constitutional governance while strengthening democratic institutions and national stability.
“You successfully guided your country’s political transition through an inclusive national dialogue and restored constitutional governance. Indeed, your example is worthy of emulation by other countries within our sub-region,” he stated.
President Mahama further praised the Gabonese administration’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas through investments in infrastructure, mining, agriculture, industrialisation and value addition to natural resources.
He observed that these priorities closely align with Ghana’s RESET Agenda and the broader Accra Reset initiative, which seeks to promote new development paradigms for Africa and the Global South.
He also acknowledged Gabon’s internationally recognised leadership in environmental stewardship and forest conservation, stressing that Ghana values opportunities for collaboration in climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management.
“As host of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Ghana remains firmly committed to deeper economic integration across our continent. We believe stronger links between West and Central Africa will unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, industrialisation and shared prosperity,” President Mahama noted.
Reflecting on discussions held earlier between the two leaders, President Mahama said both countries had reaffirmed their commitment to expanding commercial ties, encouraging investment, promoting innovation and creating greater opportunities for their citizens, particularly young people.
“They are the building blocks of a partnership that will improve lives, open new opportunities, strengthen confidence in Africa and respond directly to the aspirations of our youth,” he remarked.
President Mahama emphasized that official visits should be measured not only by the agreements signed but also by the trust, friendship and people-to-people relationships they strengthen.
He also celebrated the rich cultural heritage shared by Ghana and Gabon, calling for African nations to continue speaking with one voice while pursuing African solutions to African challenges.
“The Africa we envision is one that trades more with itself, invests more in itself and believes more deeply in its own capabilities. That future will not be handed to us; it will be built by us together, step by step,” he said.
President Mahama welcomed President Nguema’s invitation to undertake a reciprocal state visit to Gabon, saying he looked forward to visiting the Central African nation at a mutually convenient date.
“I am pleased to accept that invitation and, at a mutually convenient date, I look forward to visiting your beautiful country once again,” he announced.
Bringing the evening to a close, President Mahama invited guests to raise a toast to the enduring friendship between Ghana and Gabon, the continued success of President Nguema, the peace and prosperity of the Gabonese people, and the unity and progress of the African continent.
“May our partnership continue to grow from strength to strength, from goodwill to meaningful impact. May our shared commitment to African unity, peace and prosperity continue to guide our cooperation and inspire future generations who will inherit the Africa we are building today,” President Mahama concluded.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
