President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday held a series of bilateral engagements with world leaders and international partners on the sidelines of the High-Level Meeting of Heads of State and Government at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Among those he met was Kenyan President William Ruto. Their discussions focused on strengthening trade relations, regional security, diplomatic cooperation and advancing Africa’s interests on the global stage.
Ghana-Kenya relations date back to the early years of Africa’s independence struggle and have, in recent years, been strengthened through the relationship between Presidents Mahama and Ruto.
President Ruto commended President Mahama for championing the Accra Reset agenda and drawing international attention to the need for African countries to pursue greater self-financing and reduce dependence on external financing.
President Mahama also held talks with King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of Jordan, with the discussions highlighting opportunities for stronger economic cooperation, growth and partnership between Ghana and Jordan.
He later met Swiss President Guy Parmelin.
During the meeting, President Mahama outlined his administration’s efforts to stabilise and transform Ghana’s economy, which he said was inherited under difficult circumstances.
He also highlighted Ghana’s decentralisation system and sought Switzerland’s support to further strengthen local governance and decentralisation.
On revenue mobilisation, President Mahama acknowledged that significant gaps remain and identified the application of artificial intelligence as one area in which Ghana could benefit from Swiss expertise and experience.
The President also met Rebeca Grynspan, Costa Rica’s candidate for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, as part of his engagements at the global gathering.
Later on Tuesday afternoon, President Mahama met Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in her capacity as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health.
The engagements form part of President Mahama’s diplomatic activities during his participation in the 81st UN General Assembly, which is being held under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.”
Present at the meetings were the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Government Communications, as well as Presidential Advisor and Special Aide to the President, Joyce Bawa Mogtari.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
