Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has arrived in Moscow, Russia, ahead of the highly anticipated Third Russia-Africa Summit scheduled for October 28–29, 2026, where African leaders will engage Russian President Vladimir Putin on economic cooperation, security and international diplomacy.
President Mahama touched down in the Russian capital on Monday, October 26, receiving a warm and cordial welcome from Russian officials and members of Ghana’s diplomatic mission.
The Ghanaian leader was received by Ghana’s Ambassador to Russia, Dr. Koma Steem Jehu-Appiah, alongside other senior officials.
His arrival marks another significant diplomatic engagement as Ghana seeks to strengthen its international partnerships while maintaining its longstanding policy of non-alignment.
The two-day summit, hosted by President Putin, is expected to bring together African heads of state and senior government officials to explore opportunities in trade, investment, energy, infrastructure and regional security.
One of the major highlights of Mahama’s visit will be his scheduled bilateral meeting with Putin, during which the two leaders are expected to discuss cooperation between Ghana and Russia.
Mahama has also expressed his intention to appeal to the Russian president for a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
🇷🇺🇬🇭Yesterday, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, arrived in Moscow to take part in the Third Russia-Africa Summit on 28-29 October. The Ghanaian leader was cordially welcomed upon arrival
#RussiaAfrica #RussiaAfricaSummit https://t.co/6tytDECAyE
— Russian Embassy in Ghana (@RusEmbGhanaEng) October 27, 2026
Speaking earlier at the Financial Times Africa Summit in London, Mahama indicated that he hoped to use the Moscow gathering to encourage diplomatic efforts toward ending the conflict.
Beyond political discussions, Mahama is expected to participate in the summit’s Economic and Humanitarian Forum and hold meetings with Russian business executives and state institutions to explore investment opportunities for Ghana.
His official programme also includes a visit to a Ghanaian kente exhibition organised by the Russia-Ghana Parliamentary Forum, highlighting Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
Additionally, two prestigious Russian universities, the Russian University of Transport and the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, are expected to confer honorary doctorate degrees on the Ghanaian president.
The visit comes as African countries continue seeking stronger economic partnerships with major global powers while navigating changing international political relationships.
Mahama’s presence in Moscow has attracted attention, particularly over his planned engagement with Putin and his stated ambition to advocate for peace in Ukraine.
