President John Dramani Mahama has departed for an official visit to France, where he is expected to participate in the 2026 One Health Summit and hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The visit, undertaken at the invitation of President Macron, will see the Ghanaian leader first attend the global summit in Lyon, before proceeding to Paris for high-level diplomatic engagements at the Élysée Palace.
Focus on Global Health and Cooperation
President Mahama is scheduled to co-chair the high-level segment of the summit alongside President Macron. The gathering will bring together world leaders, health ministers, and global experts to deliberate on issues such as global health systems, sustainable food production, and coordinated responses to emerging health challenges.
As part of his participation, President Mahama will deliver two keynote addresses. The first will take place during discussions on global health architecture, co-chaired by President Macron and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO). The session is expected to focus on reforms to global health systems and the adoption of a political declaration to strengthen international cooperation.
His second address will open the summit’s high-level segment for heads of state, where he will outline Ghana’s position and commitments on global health security.
Bilateral Talks in Paris
Following the summit, President Mahama will travel to Paris on April 8 for bilateral discussions with President Macron. The talks are expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic, economic, and development cooperation between Ghana and France.
Delegation
The President is accompanied by Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health, along with senior officials from the Presidency.
The visit underscores Ghana’s active role in global health diplomacy and its continued engagement with international partners on key development priorities.
