President William Ruto departed for Accra, Ghana on Monday afternoon to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Ghana’s newly elected President, John Dramani Mahama. His visit comes following a special invitation extended by Mahama during his visit to Kenya on December 29, 2024. This diplomatic trip underscores the long-standing, cordial relations between Kenya and Ghana, rooted in shared histories of liberation movements and pan-African ideals.
According to a statement from State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, President Ruto’s visit is more than just a ceremonial one. During his time in Accra, Ruto is set to engage in high-level discussions with other heads of state and government, with a focus on fostering cooperation between the two nations. Key areas of interest include trade, energy, oil, textiles, agriculture, and strengthening diplomatic ties. The two nations share a history of mutual respect and cooperation, which continues to be reinforced through such visits.
The statement highlighted that Ruto will also hold one-on-one talks with President-elect Mahama to discuss areas of common concern and explore opportunities for growth in various sectors. In addition, the Kenyan president plans to address ongoing reforms within the African Union (AU). The reforms are aimed at enhancing institutional efficiency and improving the strategic focus of the continent’s premier continental organization.
Ruto is also expected to express Kenya’s gratitude for Ghana’s support in backing former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the position of African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson. Ruto has consistently endorsed Odinga’s vision for a more unified and prosperous Africa, using this platform to advocate for the continuation of his AUC bid, emphasizing Odinga’s leadership credentials and pan-African commitment.
This visit further solidifies Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its ties with Ghana and advancing pan-African collaboration on the global stage.
