President John Dramani Mahama says he intends to use his planned visit to Russia for the Russia–Africa Summit to appeal to President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Speaking at the Financial Times Africa Summit in London, President Mahama disclosed his intention to engage the Russian leader as part of broader efforts to promote peace and international cooperation.
The President made the remarks while discussing Russia’s military involvement in the Sahel region and the role of international partnerships in addressing terrorism.
He maintained that countries should be allowed to cooperate with any partner willing to support efforts to combat terrorism, regardless of the partner’s global political alignment.
“My opinion is that anybody who is committed to the fight against terrorism is welcome,” he said.
President Mahama cited Ghana’s security partnerships with the United Kingdom, Germany, France and the United States, explaining that the country works with these nations through intelligence sharing and joint military training.
He also reaffirmed Ghana’s non-alignment policy, emphasising the country’s commitment to maintaining cordial relations with nations across geopolitical divides, including Russia.
“We are friends to all and enemies to none,” he said.
Against this backdrop, President Mahama said he would seek to persuade Putin to consider a ceasefire when he travels to Russia for the Russia–Africa Summit.
“Indeed, 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.
The proposed engagement comes amid the continuing Russia–Ukraine war, which began in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The conflict has resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life, while diplomatic efforts to end the fighting have faced significant challenges, including disagreements over the terms of a possible settlement.
President Mahama’s comments signal his intention to use Ghana’s diplomatic relations with Russia to encourage dialogue and support efforts towards ending the conflict.
