President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Moscow, Russia, ahead of the third Russia–Africa Summit, where he is expected to hold high-level bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and push for diplomatic efforts to end the Russia–Ukraine war. Editorial Ethics & Independence
President Mahama arrived in the Russian capital on Monday, October 26, 2026, after travelling from Ethiopia. He was received by Ghana’s Ambassador to Russia, Dr Koma Steem Jehu Appiah, embassy officials and senior Russian government representatives.
The visit places Ghana at an important diplomatic gathering at a time when African countries are seeking stronger economic partnerships, greater international influence and improved cooperation on regional and global security.
According to the Presidency, President Mahama will participate in the summit’s plenary sessions and the accompanying Economic and Humanitarian Forum.
The programme is expected to provide opportunities for African leaders and Russian officials to discuss trade, investment, development and security cooperation.
A major highlight of the President’s visit will be his planned meeting with President Putin. The discussions are expected to cover Ghana–Russia relations and wider international issues, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Before departing for Moscow, President Mahama indicated that he intended to use the engagement to encourage the Russian leader to consider a ceasefire in the war.
Speaking during the Financial Times Africa Summit in London on October 21, the Ghanaian President said he would try to persuade Putin to agree to a ceasefire if possible.
His comments signalled that peace diplomacy would be a key part of Ghana’s engagement during the visit.
The Russia Ukraine war has had consequences extending beyond Europe, affecting international security, energy markets, food supplies and global economic conditions.
For African countries, disruptions to trade and the prices of essential commodities can create additional pressure on households, businesses and government budgets.
President Mahama’s proposed appeal therefore reflects Ghana’s interest in diplomatic efforts that could help reduce tensions and support a peaceful resolution.
However, whether the meeting produces any movement towards a ceasefire will depend on the positions of the parties involved and the wider diplomatic circumstances.
The President has framed Ghana’s approach within its longstanding non-aligned foreign policy. He has described the country’s position as being “friends to all and enemies to none”, emphasising the importance of maintaining constructive relations with major global powers rather than aligning exclusively with one side.
Ghana maintains relations with Russia, China, the United States and the European Union, among other international partners. The government’s stated approach is to use these relationships to attract investment, strengthen cooperation and advance national interests.
Beyond peace diplomacy, President Mahama is expected to engage representatives of Russian businesses and state institutions to explore potential investment opportunities in Ghana.
Such discussions could provide an avenue to examine cooperation in areas of mutual interest, although any proposed investment would require further negotiations and appropriate agreements before it could be considered secured.
The summit also offers Ghana an opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic engagement with African countries and Russia. Corrections Policy
Discussions at the gathering are expected to address economic and humanitarian cooperation, with participating governments seeking practical ways to translate political relationships into development outcomes.
Security cooperation is another issue of interest. President Mahama has previously argued that countries in the Sahel should be open to support from partners willing to assist their efforts against terrorism.
Ghana itself works with several international partners on security matters, including intelligence-sharing and training.
The President’s Moscow programme will also include cultural and academic engagements. He is scheduled to attend a Kente exhibition organised by the Russia Ghana Parliamentary Forum, an initiative intended to showcase Ghana’s cultural heritage and promote people-to-people relations.
In addition, the Russian University of Transport and the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia are expected to confer honorary doctorate degrees on President Mahama at separate ceremonies during his visit.
These activities form part of a broader programme combining diplomacy, business engagement, cultural exchange and academic recognition.
For Ghana, the key measure of the visit will be whether discussions lead to concrete opportunities that benefit the country. Editorial Standards
Potential areas of cooperation will need to be assessed in terms of their economic value, long-term sustainability and consistency with Ghana’s national priorities.
As the third Russia Africa Summit approaches, President Mahama’s planned engagement with Putin places peace diplomacy alongside trade and investment at the centre of Ghana’s agenda.
The meetings will offer an opportunity to advance bilateral relations while communicating Ghana’s position on the need for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to international conflicts.