Mahama begins four-day state visit to Belarus

By: Eugene Dogbatse Atsu
President John Dramani Mahama has begun a four-day state visit to Belarus aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in agriculture, education, trade, and technology.

The visit, which commenced on Friday, June 5, follows an invitation from Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and is expected to conclude with the signing of four major agreements between the two countries.

“The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic ties between Ghana and Belarus,” the Presidency Communications Office said in a statement. “It will also explore new frontiers in economic, agricultural, and technical cooperation.”

A major highlight of the trip will be bilateral discussions between President Mahama and President Lukashenko.

The talks will be followed by an expanded meeting involving ministers and senior government officials from both nations to identify areas for deeper collaboration.

According to the statement, “the discussions will focus on strategic partnerships in Agriculture, Education, and Commerce,” sectors viewed as critical to Ghana’s economic transformation and long-term development.

The President will travel to the city of Brest, where he will tour one of Belarus’ largest dairy-processing facilities.

The visit is expected to provide insights into modern agro-processing techniques and opportunities for industrial cooperation.

“This visit is expected to facilitate knowledge sharing and potential partnerships in agro-processing,” the statement noted, emphasizing the importance of agricultural modernization to Ghana’s development agenda.

As part of his official engagements, Mahama will lay a wreath at the Victory Monument in Minsk in honour of Soviet Army soldiers and Belarusian partisans who fought during World War II.

He is also expected to visit the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex, a symbol of resistance during the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union.

President Mahama will also visit the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient forests and rich biodiversity. Where it is expected to highlight environmental conservation and sustainable development as areas of mutual interest.

Officials say the state visit marks a significant step in strengthening Ghana-Belarus relations and creating new opportunities for investment, trade, and institutional cooperation.

He is expected to return to Accra on June 9 after completing the visit.