President John Dramani Mahama is set to undertake an official visit to France on Monday, April 6, 2026, following an invitation from Emmanuel Macron. The visit combines participation in a major global health summit with high-level bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation between Ghana and France.
At the center of the visit is the 2026 One Health Summit in Lyon, where President Mahama will join world leaders, health ministers, and experts to address interconnected challenges in global health systems, food sustainability, and disease prevention.
The summit reflects growing international recognition that human, animal, and environmental health are closely linked and require coordinated global responses.
President Mahama is expected to play a prominent role at the summit, co-chairing the High-Level Segment alongside President Macron. His participation underscores Ghana’s increasing involvement in shaping global health policy discussions.
As founder of the Accra Reset Initiative, President Mahama has positioned Ghana as an advocate for reforming global cooperation frameworks, particularly in response to recent public health crises.
During the summit, the President will deliver two keynote addresses. The first will take place at a session focused on global health architecture, co-chaired by President Macron and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the World Health Organization.
Discussions at this meeting will center on restructuring global health initiatives and improving coordination among international institutions. Participants are also expected to endorse a Political Declaration aimed at strengthening international cooperation in responding to health threats.
In his second keynote, delivered at the opening of the High-Level Segment for heads of state and government, President Mahama will outline Ghana’s commitments and perspectives on global health security.
His address is anticipated to highlight the need for equitable access to healthcare resources, stronger regional systems, and sustainable investment in public health infrastructure.
Accompanying the President to the summit are Minister for Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and senior officials from the Presidency. Their presence signals Ghana’s intention to actively contribute to policy discussions and collaborate with international partners on practical solutions.
Beyond the summit, the visit includes a series of diplomatic engagements in Paris. On Wednesday, April 8, President Mahama will hold bilateral talks with President Macron at the Élysée Palace.
These discussions are expected to focus on deepening Ghana-France relations across several sectors, including health, education, trade, investment, and regional security.
The bilateral meeting reflects a broader effort to expand cooperation between the two countries. Ghana and France have maintained longstanding diplomatic ties, and both leaders are expected to explore new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in areas where shared interests align with global development priorities.
Prior to the meeting at the Élysée Palace, President Mahama will be received by Gérard Larcher at the Senate House. This engagement highlights the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations and fostering mutual understanding between the two nations.
The President’s delegation for the Paris engagements includes Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Secretary to the President Callistus Mahama, National Security Advisor Prosper Bani, Presidential Advisor Joyce Bawah Mogtari, and Ghana’s Ambassador to France, Mavis Ama Frimpong.
The composition of the delegation reflects the wide range of issues expected to be discussed during the visit. Officials indicate that the talks will also address regional security concerns, particularly in West Africa, where collaboration with international partners remains critical.
Economic cooperation is another key area of focus, with both countries seeking to enhance trade and investment flows. President Mahama is expected to return to Accra shortly after concluding his engagements in Paris.
The visit is seen as an opportunity to reinforce Ghana’s role on the global stage while strengthening strategic partnerships that support national development goals.
The announcement of the visit was signed by Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, who emphasized the significance of the engagements in advancing Ghana’s international relations and policy priorities.
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