Mahama to Press Putin on Ukraine Ceasefire at Russia-Africa Summit ‎

Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama is heading to Russia with a peace message. The Spyder's front page on Thursday, 22 October 2026 reports that he will use the Russia-Africa Summit to push for an end to the war in Ukraine.

What Mahama said
He spoke at the Financial Times Africa Summit in London. He said he is going to Russia for the summit and will "try to convince President Putin to have a ceasefire if I can."

The remarks came as he discussed Russia's military involvement in the Sahel and the need for international cooperation against terrorism.

He told the interview he regards the outcome of any such discussions as uncertain. A separate report noted that he did not say whether any formal negotiations had been arranged.

Ghana's non-alignment line
Mahama framed the mission within Ghana's foreign policy. He said Ghana maintains friendly relations with global powers, including Russia, and described the country as "friends to all and enemies to none."

He said Ghana keeps friendly ties with the United States, the European Union, China and Russia. He also argued that geopolitical rivalries should not dictate where Ghana seeks investment.

The summit
The Moscow summit opens on 28 October. The previous Russia-Africa summit, held in Saint Petersburg in 2023, was scrutinized as a test of Putin's support in Africa despite his international isolation after the invasion of Ukraine.

The state of the war
The diplomatic backdrop is difficult. As of October 2026, efforts to secure a ceasefire continue. Ukraine has expressed support for a ceasefire and further talks, but negotiations with Russia remain complicated by disagreements over the terms of a settlement.

Reaction
Ghanaians appear split. After the announcement, some social media users offered prayers and encouragement, while others dismissed the mission, and the overall reaction was divided.

Supporters see an African leader using access to Moscow to press for peace. Sceptics doubt that one mediator can change Moscow's position, or question whether a summit hosted by Russia is the right venue for that appeal.

What is not yet clear
I could see only the front-page headline of The Spyder's report. I don't know the travel dates, delegation, whether Mahama has a scheduled meeting with Putin, or whether he will carry any message from Kyiv.

Reports say Accra has already opened a channel to Kyiv, but I have not verified how it works. If you send page 7, I'll add what The Spyder reports.

Source: The Spyder, Thursday, 22 October 2026, front page and page 7, "Mahama Heads to Putin with Ukraine Ceasefire Mission."

Mustapha Bature Sallama