President John Dramani Mahama and First Lady Lordina Mahama on Friday afternoon departed Lusaka, Zambia, after a successful three-day state visit aimed at strengthening ties between Ghana and Zambia.
The President and his wife were seen off at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport by their host, President Hakainde Hichilema, and First Lady Mutinta Hichilema, marking the end of what both sides described as a productive diplomatic engagement.
A major highlight of the visit was the renewal of bilateral relations through the signing of ten Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements covered key areas including a Visa Waiver Agreement and an Air Transport Agreement, paving the way for direct flights between Accra and Lusaka.
During the visit, President Mahama held bilateral talks with President Hichilema, culminating in the formal signing of the MoUs. He also addressed the Zambian National Assembly, an honour reserved for distinguished leaders, underscoring the growing diplomatic bond between the two countries.
President Mahama further paid tribute to Zambia’s founding President, Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, by laying a wreath at his tomb in recognition of his role in Africa’s liberation struggle.
Engagement with citizens was also central to the visit. President Mahama met members of the Ghanaian community in Lusaka, where he briefed them on developments in Ghana, including the appreciation of the cedi against major international currencies and progress on the ongoing constitutional review process.
The visit featured strong economic diplomacy, with both Presidents jointly addressing the Ghana-Zambia Business Dialogue. They called for deeper collaboration, increased investment, and practical partnerships, particularly through the use of digital platforms.
Adding a cultural touch, President Mahama’s traditional Ghanaian smock, known as Fugu, sparked lively discussion on social media among Ghanaian and Zambian youth. President Hichilema later praised the attire and pledged to order some from Ghana. President Mahama presented him with a Fugu, while President Hichilema, a fellow farmer, gifted President Mahama one ton of maize seeds.
Meanwhile, First Lady Lordina Mahama held a warm and inspiring meeting with First Lady Mutinta Hichilema, showcasing cross-border sisterhood and cooperation between the two nations.
