Mahama arrives in Moscow to push for Russia-Ukraine ceasefire at Russia–Africa Summit

President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Moscow to lead Ghana’s delegation to the third Russia–Africa Summit, where he is expected to advocate a ceasefire in the Russia–Ukraine war and pursue stronger economic and security cooperation between Africa and Russia.

The summit, scheduled for October 28–29, 2026, is being hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin and is expected to bring together more than 30 African heads of state and government.

President Mahama was received at the airport by Ghana’s Ambassador to Russia, Dr Koma Steem Jehu-Appiah, alongside embassy staff and Russian government officials.

Ahead of the trip, the President indicated that he intended to use the summit to engage Mr Putin on the need to end hostilities in the four-year-old Russia–Ukraine conflict.

Speaking at the Financial Times Africa Summit on October 21, President Mahama said he would appeal directly to the Russian leader for a ceasefire.

"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.

He said Ghana’s longstanding non-aligned foreign policy positioned the country to engage different global powers without taking sides in their disputes.

Describing Ghana’s approach as "friends to all and enemies to none," President Mahama noted that the country maintained cordial relations with the United States, the European Union, China and Russia.

He suggested that this balanced diplomatic posture could provide an opportunity for Ghana to engage Moscow on peace efforts.

Bilateral talks and economic cooperation

President Mahama is also expected to hold bilateral talks with President Putin on the sidelines of the summit, following an earlier confirmation by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

Mr Ablakwa said the President considered the summit "very important" and hoped the planned meeting would "further deepen our relations."

As part of his engagements, President Mahama is expected to participate in an Economic and Humanitarian Forum and attend the summit’s plenary sessions alongside other African leaders.

He will also visit a kente exhibition organised by the Russia–Ghana Parliamentary Forum.

Two Russian universities to confer honorary doctorates

President Mahama’s visit will also include separate ceremonies at which the Russian University of Transport and the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia will confer honorary doctorate degrees on him.

The President is further scheduled to meet representatives of Russian businesses and state institutions as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral engagement.

Beyond the Russia–Ukraine conflict, President Mahama has also indicated Ghana’s willingness to engage partners in addressing security challenges in the Sahel.

Speaking at the London forum, he said "anybody who is committed to the fight against terrorism is welcome."

The visit therefore combines Ghana’s call for peace in Ukraine with broader efforts to strengthen diplomatic, economic and security relations with Russia and other African countries.