Ruto heads to Ghana for Mahama inauguration, focuses on trade and diplomacy

President Ruto greets his deputy Kithure Kindiki at JKIA as he departs for Accra, ahead of President-elect John Dramani Mahama's inauguration. [PCU]

President William has departed to Accra, Ghana, to attend the inauguration of Ghana's President-elect John Dramani Mahama.

The visit follows an invitation extended by Mahama during his trip to Kenya on December 29, 2024.

In Accra, President Ruto will hold talks with Heads of State and Government, including President-Elect Mahama, focusing on trade, energy, oil, textiles, agriculture, and diplomatic relations.

Kenya and Ghana share a long-standing relationship rooted in their pre-independence liberation struggles, guided by the principles of pan-Africanism.

Mahama won the country's presidential election after his main opponent, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat. Elections were held on December 7, 2024.

The defeat marks the end of two terms in power for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President Nana Akufo-Addo, defined by Ghana's worst economic crisis in years, involving high inflation and a debt default.

Bawumia said he called Mahama, of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to congratulate him.

Mahama was president of Ghana between July 2012 and January 2017.

Ruto will also discuss African Union reforms aimed at enhancing institutional efficiency and strategic focus.

At the same time, he will acknowledge Ghana's support for Raila Odinga's candidacy for the African Union Commission