Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has concluded a one-day official visit to Sierra Leone, where he met with his counterpart, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, at Lungi International Airport. This visit demonstrates the two West African countries’ enduring historical and political ties, as both leaders engaged in meaningful discussions aimed at strengthening their bilateral relationship.
In his welcome address, President Bio expressed his excitement about hosting President Mahama, whom he regards as both a colleague and a close friend. He stated that this was President Mahama’s first visit to Sierra Leone since taking office on January 7, 2025, and he extended his heartfelt congratulations to Ghana’s leader on his recent electoral victory in the December 7, 2024 presidential election.
During their meeting, the two presidents talked about a variety of topics, reflecting the strong fraternal bonds that connect their countries. They identified numerous opportunities to advance their development and democratic goals, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in meeting these objectives.
Significant areas of collaboration were discussed, including trade and investment, agriculture and food security, tourism, public health, education, fisheries, defense, security, and institutional partnerships. Both leaders recognized the importance of revitalizing the General Cooperation Agreement, which was signed in 2018 and aims to establish a permanent Joint Cooperation Commission (JCC) between Ghana and Sierra Leone. President Bio proposed that the commission’s inaugural meeting be held in Accra on a date determined by their respective foreign ministers.
In addition to bilateral issues, the presidents addressed pressing regional security concerns. They talked about serious issues like terrorism, violent extremism, Sahelian conflicts, and drug and human trafficking problems. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working together to combat these threats, which endanger West Africa’s peace, stability, and prosperity.
President Mahama thanked President Bio, his government, and the people of Sierra Leone for their warm welcome to him and his delegation. He described his visit as a meaningful act of solidarity and took the opportunity to thank President Bio for attending his inauguration as President of Ghana.
President Mahama emphasized the importance of reviving the Joint Cooperation Commission, citing its potential to benefit both nations and the sub-region. He reaffirmed his commitment to fostering collaboration with Sierra Leone in critical areas such as education, health, regional issues, UN Security Council reform, and bilateral relations for the benefit of their people.
President Mahama’s visit not only reinforces Ghana and Sierra Leone’s historical ties but also sets a positive tone for future cooperation in a variety of sectors that will benefit both countries’ development and stability.
