In a mutual diplomatic engagement, Ghana’s President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, concluded a one-day official visit to Sierra Leone on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. The visit saw President John Dramani Mahama meeting with his counterpart, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, at the Lungi International Airport, where they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the longstanding ties between the two nations.
During the high-level discussions, both leaders exchanged goodwill messages and reviewed the existing bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and Ghana. They also deliberated on pressing regional and international matters of mutual interest, reinforcing their commitment to deeper cooperation on multiple fronts.
President Bio, in his welcome address, expressed his profound delight in hosting President John Dramani Mahama, whom he described as both a trusted colleague and a close friend. He highlighted the historical bonds between the two nations and reiterated his commitment to furthering diplomatic and economic relations.
“This visit marks President John Dramani Mahama’s first official trip to Sierra Leone since assuming office on January 7, 2025. I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to him on his resounding victory in Ghana’s presidential elections held on December 7, 2024,” President Bio stated.
The two heads of state explored various avenues to bolster bilateral relations, emphasizing the need for enhanced trade, investment and regional development partnerships. Key areas of focus included agriculture and food security, education, fisheries, tourism, defense and security, public health and institutional collaboration.
“To achieve our shared objectives, we have agreed to revitalize the General Cooperation Agreement signed in 2018, which laid the foundation for a permanent Joint Cooperation Commission (JCC) between Ghana and Sierra Leone,” President Bio revealed. “I have proposed that the inaugural meeting of the JCC be held in Accra at a mutually agreed date, as arranged by our respective foreign ministers.”
In addition to bilateral discussions, President Bio and President John Dramani Mahama examined pressing regional security concerns, including terrorism, violent extremism, conflicts in the Sahel and transnational crimes such as drug and human trafficking. The leaders reaffirmed their nations’ commitment to coordinated efforts in addressing these critical threats, recognizing their impact on regional peace and stability.
President John Dramani Mahama expressed his gratitude for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation, describing his visit as a meaningful gesture of solidarity. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between Sierra Leone and Ghana, particularly in tackling regional security challenges and advancing shared development goals.
“I am here to personally extend my gratitude to President Bio for graciously attending my inauguration as President of Ghana,” President John Dramani Mahama noted. “I look forward to strengthening cooperation with Sierra Leone in key sectors such as education, health, sub-regional security and the ongoing reform of the United Nations Security Council.”
Both leaders expressed optimism about the future of Ghana-Sierra Leone relations, underscoring their shared vision for prosperity and progress. Their discussions concluded with a firm commitment to expanding diplomatic and economic partnerships, ensuring that the two nations continue to work closely for the benefit of their people.
President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to Sierra Leone marks yet another step in fortifying the deep-rooted ties between the two West African nations, setting the stage for stronger cooperation in the years to come.
