Lusaka – President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Lusaka, Zambia, for a three day state visit following an invitation from Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, marking a key diplomatic engagement between West and Southern Africa.
Mahama touched down at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport on Tuesday and was received on the tarmac by President Hichilema. Ghana’s High Commissioner to Zambia, Elizabeth Nyantakyi, and senior Zambian and Ghanaian officials were also present.
The Ghanaian leader is accompanied by First Lady Lordina Dramani Mahama and a high powered delegation drawn from government and the Presidency. The visit, which runs until Friday February 6, 2026, centres on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade and investment ties, and deepening cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
During his stay, Mahama is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Hichilema, focusing on shared priorities that include economic cooperation, digital innovation and regional integration. The talks are expected to explore ways African economies, including those in Southern Africa such as Eswatini, can benefit from freer movement of goods, services and people under AfCFTA.
A major feature of the visit is Mahama’s address to the National Assembly of Zambia, where he is set to outline Ghana’s outlook on African integration and economic growth. He will also lay a wreath at Embassy Park in Lusaka in honour of Zambia’s fallen heroes.
Economic cooperation forms a central part of the programme, with the Ghana Zambia Business Dialogue co chaired by the two Presidents. The forum brings together public and private sector players and provides Ghana with an opportunity to showcase its progress in digital technology and fintech, areas that continue to draw interest across the region.
The President is accompanied by senior officials including the Secretary to the President Dr Callistus Mahama, Presidential Advisor and Special Aide Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Legal Counsel to the President Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew, and Deputy Chief of Staff Operations Stan Xoese Dogbe. Cabinet members on the trip include Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Communication Digital Technology and Innovations Samuel Nartey George, and Minister for Gender Children and Social Protection Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey.
Mahama is also expected to meet members of the Ghanaian community living in Lusaka.
Beyond the official programme, the visit has stirred public debate online, particularly around cultural identity and African dress. Ghanaian digital creator Wode Maya weighed in on social media, saying
“Dear Zambians,
The outfit worn by our President is not a BLOUSE. It is a Ghanaian traditional attire known as FUGU, also called Batakari. Our President is intentionally promoting the local garment industry both within and beyond our borders, unlike your President, whose suit is not African. It is unfortunate that many of you , despite having access to smartphones and the internet, still choose to remain ignorant.
It’s time for us to emancipate ourselves from Mental Slavery..”
Wode Maya also commented on recent diplomatic developments between the two countries, writing
“Ghana and Zambia just signed a visa waiver!
You can now fly here to learn how to embrace your African heritage, because we wear made in Ghana with pride Siaaa!”
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