Mahama jets to France for high-stakes health summit

President John Dramani Mahama will visit France to attend a global health summit and hold bilateral talks with Emmanuel Macron.

The trip, scheduled for April 6, 2026, follows an invitation from President Macron and will see President Mahama participate in the 2026 One Health Summit in Lyon before travelling to Paris for high-level discussions at the Élysée Palace.

A statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, said the visit underscores Ghana’s growing role in shaping global health policy and strengthening strategic partnerships.

At the summit, President Mahama will co-chair the High-Level Segment alongside President Macron, bringing together world leaders, health ministers, and experts to address urgent global health challenges, including sustainable food systems and resilient healthcare structures.

The government’s spokesperson says the president is expected to use the platform to advocate stronger international cooperation, with a focus on reforms to global health architecture.

“This summit provides a critical opportunity for Ghana to push for coordinated global action on health security,” the statement indicated.

President Mahama will also deliver two keynote addresses, including one at a meeting on global health architecture co-chaired by President Macron and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the World Health Organization. Discussions there will centre on reforms to global health initiatives and the adoption of a political declaration to boost international cooperation.

“The President will outline Ghana’s commitments and perspectives on global health security, reinforcing the country’s leadership on key initiatives,” the statement noted.

Beyond the summit, attention will shift to bilateral relations when President Mahama meets President Macron at the Élysée Palace on April 8. Talks are expected to cover cooperation in health, education, trade, investment, and regional security.

Ahead of that meeting, President Mahama will be received by Gérard Larcher, President of the French Senate, at the Senate House.

Government says the visit reflects a broader diplomatic push to deepen Ghana-France relations while positioning Ghana as a key voice in global health governance.