Mahama, Hichilema Hold Bilateral Talks to Deepen Ghana–Zambia Relations

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Zambia, describing cooperation between African states as essential to achieving sustainable development and shared prosperity on the continent.

Speaking at the Zambian State House during bilateral talks with President Hakainde Hichilema, President Mahama expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception accorded him and his delegation upon arrival in Lusaka.

“Let me express my appreciation for the hospitality that has been extended to us since we arrived yesterday. From the warm welcome at the airport to the enthusiasm of the people, the dancing, and the presence of the Ghanaian community, we truly felt at home,” President Mahama said.

He noted that relations between Ghana and Zambia are rooted in a shared liberation history, forged by the friendship between Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and Zambia’s founding leader, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda.

“President Kaunda and President Nkrumah were friends and comrades in the African liberation struggle. Ghana virtually became the headquarters for freedom fighters, guided by the belief that the independence of Ghana was meaningless unless it was linked to the total liberation of the African continent,” he stated.

President Mahama reflected on Africa’s post-independence journey, noting that historical divisions created during colonial rule continue to slow the continent’s development.

“As Ghana prepares to celebrate 70 years of independence next year, we can clearly see that the divisions created by the Berlin Conference have made it difficult for Africa to develop at an optimal speed and create the prosperity our people deserve,” he said.

The President emphasized that while continental cooperation through the African Union remains important, stronger bilateral relations between individual countries can deliver more immediate and practical benefits.

“While we cooperate at the continental level, bilateral relations between countries can make a very big difference,” he noted.

President Mahama also conveyed the appreciation of the Ghanaian community in Zambia, describing them as well-integrated and thriving.

“They asked me to extend their thanks to you and your government for the hospitality they enjoy here. They feel comfortable and at home, and many of them are now part of multinational families — Ghanaian and Zambian, but above all African,” he said.

Highlighting economic parallels between the two countries, President Mahama observed that Ghana and Zambia are navigating similar challenges, particularly in debt restructuring and fiscal consolidation.

“Incidentally, Ghana and Zambia seem to be on the same trajectory. We have both faced economic challenges and implemented reforms, and there is a lot we can learn from each other,” he remarked.

Discussions between the two leaders covered cooperation in mining, agriculture, and trade, including shared challenges in artisanal and large-scale mining.

“Both of us have mining industries that face similar challenges, and we are determined to share experiences and best practices,” President Mahama said.

On continental trade, he stressed that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) must be supported by strong bilateral economic foundations.

“We cannot develop continental free trade in a vacuum. We must strengthen bilateral relations to identify what products we can exchange and create the conditions for those exchanges,” he said.

President Mahama concluded by calling for deeper economic engagement beyond political dialogue.

“We must go beyond political dialogue and move into economic consolidation and strong bilateral economic relations between our two countries,” he said.

The visit marks a renewed push by both leaders to elevate Ghana–Zambia relations and expand cooperation across key economic sectors.