Prez Mahama arrives in Moscow for Russia-Africa Summit; set to meet Putin
President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Moscow, Russia, from Ethiopia to lead Ghana’s delegation to the 3rd Russia–Africa Summit, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
President Mahama arrived in the Russian capital on Monday, October 26, 2026, and was welcomed by Ghana’s Ambassador to Russia, Dr. Koma Steem Jehu-Appiah, embassy officials and senior Russian government representatives.
The summit, scheduled for October 28 and 29, 2026, is expected to attract more than 30 African heads of state and government. Key discussions will focus on peace diplomacy, regional security cooperation and trade relations between Russia and African countries.
The President’s visit follows months of engagements between Ghanaian and Russian officials. Speaking at the Financial Times Africa Summit in London on October 21, President Mahama said he intended to make peace diplomacy a priority during his trip.
“I’m going to Russia for the Russia–Africa Summit and try to convince President Putin to have a ceasefire if I can,” he said, referring to the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
President Mahama said the proposed appeal was consistent with Ghana’s non-aligned foreign policy, which he described as “friends to all and enemies to none.” He stressed that Ghana maintains balanced relations with the United States, the European Union, China and Russia, adding that the country’s neutral diplomatic position enables it to engage Moscow directly on peace initiatives.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has confirmed that President Mahama is expected to hold a private, high-level bilateral meeting with President Putin on the sidelines of the summit. The discussions are expected to cover bilateral cooperation and global security issues.
Summit Agenda and Honorary Degrees
During the two-day event, President Mahama and other participating leaders will attend the Economic and Humanitarian Forum, as well as the summit’s main plenary sessions.
The Ghanaian leader is also scheduled to participate in several academic, business and cultural activities while in Moscow.
- Honorary doctorates: The Russian University of Transport and the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) will separately award President Mahama honorary doctorate degrees at special ceremonies.
- Trade and investment: He will meet representatives of various Russian businesses and state-owned enterprises to explore potential investment opportunities in Ghana.
- Cultural diplomacy: The President will visit a special Kente exhibition organised by the Russia–Ghana Parliamentary Forum to showcase Ghanaian cultural heritage and strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.
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