President William Ruto left Nairobi on January 6, 2025, for Accra, Ghana. He will attend the inauguration of President-elect John Dramani Mahama on January 7.
Mahama personally invited Ruto during his Kenya visit on December 29, 2024.In Accra, Ruto will meet with several Heads of State and Government, including Mahama. The discussions will focus on trade, energy, oil, textiles, agriculture, and diplomatic relations.
Kenya and Ghana have enjoyed strong ties since the pre-independence era. Both nations drew inspiration from each other’s struggles for independence, emphasizing pan-Africanism.
Ruto plans to advocate for reforms in the African Union (AU). He seeks to improve its efficiency and strategic focus. He will also thank Ghana for supporting Raila Odinga’s bid for African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson. Odinga’s leadership and pan-African vision remain influential.
John Dramani Mahama previously served as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2017. He regained the presidency with 56% of the vote, defeating Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who secured 41%. Mahama’s victory marks a political comeback after succeeding President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose tenure faced economic challenges like inflation and debt defaults.
Ruto’s presence at the inauguration highlights Kenya’s commitment to Ghana. It also reinforces Kenya’s focus on regional collaboration. The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic ties and foster new partnerships between the two nations.
