By Nadia Ntiamoah
President John Dramani Mahama is set to embark on an official visit to France on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, as part of efforts to deepen international cooperation on global health and strengthen bilateral relations.
The visit will see President Mahama participate in the 2026 One Health Summit in Lyon, a high-level global gathering of leaders, health ministers, and experts focused on strengthening global health systems, promoting sustainable food production, and developing coordinated responses to emerging health challenges.
At the summit, President Mahama—founder of the Accra Reset Initiative—will co-chair the high-level segment alongside President Macron.
His participation underscores the growing role in shaping conversations around global health security and multilateral cooperation.
As part of his engagements, 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 Organization.
The session is expected to focus on reforms to global health systems and will culminate in the endorsement of a political declaration aimed at strengthening international health cooperation.
His second keynote address will be delivered at the opening of the high-level segment for heads of state and government, where he is expected to outline the position and commitments on global health security.
Following the summit, President Mahama will travel to Paris on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, for a bilateral meeting with President Macron at the Élysée Palace.
The talks will focus on enhancing Ghana-France relations and exploring expanded cooperation in key sectors, including health, education, trade, investment, and regional security.
Ahead of the bilateral discussions, President Mahama will also meet with Gérard Larcher at the French Senate, signaling a broader diplomatic engagement with France’s political leadership.
The presidency indicated that the visit forms part of ongoing efforts to position Ghana as a proactive player in global governance while strengthening strategic international partnerships.
President Mahama is expected to return to Accra shortly after his engagements at the Élysée Palace.
The statement announcing the visit was issued by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communications and spokesperson to the President.
