Senior Presidential Advisor and Aide, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, has lauded President John Dramani Mahama for his visionary leadership and exceptional diplomacy, describing his recent engagements on the global stage as a reaffirmation of Ghana’s growing influence across the African continent.
She said Ghana, under President Mahama’s leadership, is fast becoming one of the world’s most respected and influential allies in Africa due to his courage, foresight, and commitment to national transformation.
“I keep saying that this is a great time to be a citizen of Ghana and an even greater time to witness our nation’s transformation into one of the world’s most influential allies on the African continent.”
Senior Presidential Advisor and Aide, Joyce Bawah Mogtari
Bawah Mogtari made these remarks following President Mahama’s recent visit to China for the Global Leaders Meeting on Women, where he once again demonstrated what she described as “extraordinary courage and visionary leadership,” promoting Ghana’s interests and strengthening its image on the global stage.
She emphasized that the President’s engagements during the visit projected Ghana as a country determined to reset its economy, empower its people, and deepen global partnerships built on mutual respect and shared progress.
According to Bawah, during the high-level meeting in China, President Mahama shared Ghana’s inspiring story of economic renewal under the theme “Resetting the Ghanaian Economy,” alongside his bold and forward-looking vision for “The Ghana We Want.”
“He emphasized to the Chinese Government, business partners, and investors that Ghana is open for business.”
Senior Presidential Advisor and Aide, Joyce Bawah Mogtari
Bilateral Wins
For Bawah Mogtari, a major highlight of the visit was a strategic bilateral meeting between President Mahama and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation across critical sectors.
Among the key issues discussed was the ongoing fight against illegal mining — commonly referred to as “galamsey” — which continues to pose severe environmental challenges in Ghana.
Bawah Mogtari stated that the conversation reflected President Mahama’s commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible natural resource management.
In what has been described as a landmark gesture of goodwill and partnership, President Xi announced a pledge of 200 million Chinese Yuan to support the construction of the Aflao Market — a major infrastructure project that is expected to boost cross-border trade, improve local livelihoods, and enhance economic activity in the Volta Region.
According to Bawah Mogtari, this commitment symbolizes China’s confidence in Mahama’s leadership and his people-centered development agenda. “In a rare and symbolic speech, President Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to clean markets and renewable energy,” she recounted.
The Senior Presidential Advisor further disclosed that the two leaders also reaffirmed their shared commitment to finalize and implement a 0% tariff agreement by October 2025, which would make Ghana only the second African nation to secure such a significant trade arrangement with China.
The agreement is expected to deepen trade relations and open Ghana’s market to wider export opportunities, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Ghanaian goods in the global economy.
“This landmark agreement will usher in a new era of enhanced, unimpeded trade between the two nations. Notably, China remains Ghana’s largest bilateral trading partner, with 2024 trade volumes exceeding US$11.8 billion”.
Senior Presidential Advisor and Aide, Joyce Bawah Mogtari
A Champion for Women’s Economic Empowerment
Additionally, Bawah Mogtari noted that President Mahama, as African Union (AU) Champion for Gender and African Financial Institutions, used his platform at the Global Leaders Meeting to advocate strongly for women’s economic empowerment.
According to her, President Mahama called on global leaders, including President Xi, to ensure that African women entrepreneurs receive targeted support, training, and capacity-building opportunities under China’s US$100 million women empowerment package, which aims to benefit 50,000 African women.
Bawah Mogtari said President Mahama’s advocacy is consistent with his lifelong commitment to gender equality and inclusive development.
“President Mahama made a powerful case for African women entrepreneurs to receive targeted support, capacity-building, and training under President Xi’s US$100 million package for 50,000 women”.
Senior Presidential Advisor and Aide, Joyce Bawah Mogtari
Touching on infrastructure, she revealed that several Chinese investors had expressed strong interest in partnering with Ghana to support President Mahama’s 24-hour economic model — a transformational plan designed to create sustainable jobs and expand economic activity across sectors by ensuring round-the-clock productivity.
She added that these investors had also shown commitment to participate in major infrastructure projects, including the construction of roads, railways, and factories, all aimed at accelerating Ghana’s industrial and economic growth.
Expressing optimism about the country’s future, Bawah Mogtari urged Ghanaians to remain hopeful and continue contributing to the nation’s progress in whatever capacity they can.
“Brighten your corner, even if they take everything, do something with nothing,” she encouraged, adding that the spirit of resilience and innovation among Ghanaians remains the key to building “The Ghana We Want.”
She concluded with a heartfelt message of faith and solidarity, saying, “God bless us all,” reflecting her confidence in Ghana’s continued progress under visionary leadership.
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