President John Dramani Mahama says he will use his planned visit to Russia to urge President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Mahama made the disclosure during an interview at the Financial Times Africa Summit in London, where he discussed Russia’s military involvement in the Sahel and the importance of international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
Asked about Russian military units supporting some governments in the Sahel, the President said countries should be allowed to seek assistance from any partner committed to fighting terrorism.
“My opinion is that anybody who is committed to the fight against terrorism is welcome,” he said.
He cited Ghana’s security cooperation with the United Kingdom, Germany, France and the United States, explaining that the country shares intelligence and conducts joint training with its international partners.
Mahama also reaffirmed Ghana’s non-alignment policy, emphasising that the country maintains friendly relations with global powers regardless of their geopolitical differences.
“We are friends to all and enemies to none,” he said.
Against this background, the President said he intends to engage Putin during his planned trip to Russia for the Russia-Africa Summit, hoping to persuade the Russian leader to support a ceasefire.
“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 Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The conflict has resulted in widespread destruction, loss of lives and a prolonged humanitarian crisis.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the two sides have yet to reach a lasting agreement to end the fighting, with disagreements over the terms of a settlement continuing to complicate negotiations.
