President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday night hosted his visiting Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, to a state banquet in Accra.
President Mnangagwa arrived in Accra on April 1 for a three-day state visit to Ghana.
The state banquet reaffirms the commitment of both nations to advance strategic cooperation, trade, and sustainable development, celebrating a partnership anchored in history, trust, and shared aspirations.
President Mahama, in his address at the state banquet, highlighted the historic bonds between Ghana and Zimbabwe, noting that their connection “predates formal diplomacy” and was forged through the defining struggles for Africa led by visionaries like Osagyefuo Dr Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and the late President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe.
He reiterated that their shared ideals of freedom, dignity, and Pan-African unity continue to guide the nations today, describing the evening as “not merely ceremonial; it is a celebration of a relationship shaped by history, enriched by shared experiences, and sustained by genuine human connections.
“But beyond these historic bonds lies a deep personal connection. President Mugabe once lived and worked in Ghana, for those of you who don’t know it. He worked as a teacher, an intellectual, and immersed himself in the spirit of the newly independent nation of Ghana,” he said.
President Mahama said President Mugabe’s marriage to Madam Sally Francisca Mugabe, a proud daughter of Ghana, further cemented the ties between their two peoples.
He said Zimbabwe’s independence marked a major milestone in the African liberation struggle.
Adding that this event was immortalized by the great Jamaican singer and philosopher, Robert Nesta Marley in his lyrics where he says, “Africans a-liberate Zimbabwe”.
“There is something profoundly reassuring about the friendship between Ghana and Zimbabwe,” he said.
“It has endured the test of time; it has adapted to changing circumstances and remains anchored in the mutual respect and trust that exists between us.”
He noted that this perhaps was a true measure of partnership, not only in the agreement they signed, but in the ease of understanding the depth of goodwill and the confidence that they could always find common ground in.
“Tonight, therefore, we are not only honoured by your visit, but we also celebrate the partnership that continues to evolve,” President Mahama said.
“We affirm our shared commitment to deepening this cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, and economic transformation.
“And our two countries recognise the immense opportunities before us and are determined to translate our historic ties into tangible benefits for our people.”
On his part, President Mnangagwa reflected on Ghana’s historical role in Zimbabwe’s liberation.
“Most of my colleagues received training here in Ghana for the armed liberation of Zimbabwe. We are forever grateful to Ghana,” he stated.
He noted that the visit presents opportunities for strengthened business-to-business cooperation and affirmed that the state’s visit underscores the longstanding ties between the two countries.
In a gesture of mutual appreciation, President Mnangagwa received gifts of fugu and kente, and he also presented a crocodile-skin bag and a unique artefact to President Mahama, symbolising the enduring friendship and cultural ties between Ghana and Zimbabwe.
