President John Dramani Mahama has hosted the President of the Republic of Gabon, His Excellency Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, to a state dinner at the Jubilee House in Accra, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations and advancing Africa's collective quest for peace, prosperity and progress.
The dinner, held last Tuesday evening, formed part of President Nguema's three-day official visit to Ghana, and was attended by Vice-President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials and dignitaries from both nations.
African family
Welcoming his "dear brother and friend", President Mahama described the visit as significant, noting that Ghana received the Gabonese delegation, "not merely as official visitors, but as cherished brothers and sisters of our African family and as partners in Africa's continuing journey towards dignity, peace, prosperity and progress for our people".
The President commended his Gabonese counterpart for his leadership since assuming office, particularly praising the successful political transition that culminated in the April 2025 presidential election, which strengthened democratic institutions and national stability.
"Your example is worthy of emulation by other countries within our sub-region," President Mahama said.
Highlighting shared development aspirations, President Mahama observed that Gabon's focus on infrastructure development, mining, agriculture, industrialisation and value addition to natural resources mirrored Ghana's own Reset Agenda and the Accra Reset, which sought to establish new development paradigms for Africa and the Global South.
He expressed encouragement at the discussions held earlier in the day, which reaffirmed the depth of goodwill between the two countries and highlighted immense opportunities for cooperation.
"I firmly believe that Africa's future will be shaped by Africans working together in confidence and solidarity," he said.
He also commended Gabon's international recognition for leadership in environmental stewardship and forest conservation, emphasising Ghana's appreciation of that example in climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.
As host of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), President Mahama reiterated Ghana's commitment to deeper economic integration, noting that stronger links between West and Central Africa would unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, industrialisation and shared prosperity.
"Visits such as yours are therefore about much more than the agreements we sign or the memoranda of understanding we conclude.
"They represent an important opportunity to renew our friendship and brotherhood, deepen trust, open new pathways for cooperation and strengthen people-to-people relations," the President said.
The President said Ghana and Gabon shared vibrant traditions and the determination to "stand together, speak with one voice and pursue African solutions to African challenges".
President Mahama revealed that President Nguema had earlier extended an invitation for a reciprocal visit to Gabon, which he gladly accepted.
"I look forward to visiting your beautiful country once again," he said.
Gratitude
In his response, President Nguema, dressed in a striking green shirt adorned with golden patterns, explained that his attire symbolised the gold-rich regions of Ashanti in Ghana and Minkébé in Gabon.
"It is a great honour to stand before you this evening wearing this green shirt adorned with golden patterns, symbolising the gold-rich regions of Ashanti in Ghana and Minkébé in Gabon," President Nguema said.
He expressed pride in Ghana's example and thanked President Mahama for hosting the gathering.
The Gabonese leader said the successful signing of important agreements earlier in the day would strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
"Our visit to your beautiful country reflects our shared determination to strengthen the bilateral relations between Gabon and Ghana and to deepen our dialogue on issues of common interest within the framework of our cooperation," he said.
President Nguema expressed his sincere desire for both nations to continue strengthening their friendship and expanding cooperation across many sectors, including trade and diplomacy, for the benefit of their peoples.
The evening’s activities concluded with both leaders proposing toasts to the enduring friendship between their nations, the peace and prosperity of their peoples, and the unity of the African continent.
President Nguema's visit is expected to further cement the growing ties between Ghana and Gabon, with both countries looking to explore new avenues of cooperation across various sectors.
