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President William Ruto will leave the country on Monday, January 6, 2025, for Ghana, where he will attend John Dramani Mahama’s inauguration as the Head of State of the West African country.

In a press release shared on X by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, Ruto is set to attend the inauguration that will take place on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in Ghana’s capital city, Accra.

“President William Ruto departs for Accra, Ghana, this afternoon to attend the inauguration ceremony of Ghana’s President-elect John Dramani Mahama. The visit follows a special invitation extended by His Excellency Mahama during his trip to Kenya on December 29, 2024,” Mohamed’s statement read.

The president will also engage his host on a number of issues that are of mutual interest to both Kenya and Ghana.

“While in Accra, President Ruto will hold talks with Heads of State and government, including President-Elect Mahama, focusing on key areas of mutual interest and cooperation, including trade, energy, oil, textiles, agriculture, and diplomatic relations.

“Kenya and Ghana share a long-standing, cordial relationship that dates back to the pre-independence era, with both countries drawing inspiration from each other’s liberation movements during their respective struggles for liberation, guided by the spirit of pan-Africanism,” it added.

Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission chairmanship is also expected to be discussed.

“President Ruto will also use the visit to discuss reforms of the African Union that are aimed at improving institutional efficiency and strategic focus.

“Additionally, he will express gratitude for Ghana’s support of Hon. Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position while continuing to advocate for Hon. Odinga by highlighting his pan-African vision and proven leadership credentials,” the statement concluded.

Kenya visit

After he was declared the winner of the presidential race, Mahama’s return to power was paved. He recently made a visit to Kenya, where Ruto hosted him at his Kilgoris home in Narok County.

“I visited my brother and friend, President @WilliamsRuto, to thank him for his support over the years and invite him to the #MahamaInauguration on January 7.

“It was a great opportunity to discuss our regional integration efforts, continental security, and how we can work collectively to upscale the benefits of the AfCFTA. As a former chair of the AU high-level committee on trade, I remain committed to expanding trade among our countries under the aegis of the AfCFTA.

“We shall strengthen relations between Kenya and Ghana,” Mahama promised then.

He was declared the winner of the presidential election on December 9, 2024.