Keypoints:
- Ghana and Eswatini sign cooperation pact
- Mahama urges closer African unity and trade
- King Mswati III to meet Asantehene in Kumasi
GHANA has reaffirmed its commitment to African solidarity and economic integration with a formal welcome for His Majesty King Mswati III of Eswatini, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost bilateral cooperation.
The visit, which took place at the Jubilee House in Accra, featured a colourful state reception led by President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang. Traditional drumming, dancing, and cultural pageantry greeted King Mswati III and Her Majesty the Queen, underscoring the warmth of Ghana-Eswatini relations.
According to a statement from the Ghana Presidency, the high-level visit marks a significant step toward enhanced collaboration across sectors and a renewed push for pan-African cooperation.
MoU sets up permanent joint commission
Following the ceremonial welcome, the two leaders held closed-door bilateral talks in the Credentials Hall, concluding with the signing of a key MoU to establish a Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation. The agreement will serve as a formal framework to guide future initiatives between the two countries in areas including trade, education, tourism, and governance.
President Mahama described the visit as both historic and symbolic, saying it reflects shared values and aspirations for a united Africa.
‘We’re very honoured to have you on this visit,’ President Mahama told King Mswati III. ‘We believe that this visit would cement the ties and relationship between our two countries.’
He recalled Ghana’s pioneering role in Africa’s independence movement and reiterated the country’s commitment to championing the vision of Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, for continental unity and progress.
AfCFTA highlighted as shared opportunity
President Mahama underscored the relevance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which Ghana has ratified and continues to promote as a key mechanism for unlocking Africa’s economic potential.
‘Your visit and the bilateral discussion that will take place after will form the framework for the cooperation between our two countries,’ Mahama said, adding that the AfCFTA offers a historic chance to boost intra-African trade, create jobs, and reduce dependency on external markets.
He also highlighted Ghana’s role as host of the AfCFTA Secretariat and expressed optimism that Ghana and Eswatini can leverage the platform to expand economic exchanges and investment.
Cultural diplomacy at the heart of the visit
Beyond the formal agreements, the visit is also steeped in cultural diplomacy. President Mahama announced that King Mswati III would travel to Kumasi for a royal visit with the Asantehene, His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The Asantehene had earlier visited the presidency in anticipation of the King’s arrival, reflecting the deep respect and solidarity between the traditional institutions of the two nations.
The Ghana Presidency emphasised that this dimension of the visit underscores the shared heritage and values that unite African societies, even across regional and linguistic divides.
United by history, driven by shared future
As Ghana and Eswatini move forward with their newly signed cooperation pact, both leaders echoed a mutual desire to work together on advancing African development, integration, and sovereignty.
The visit signals a renewed commitment to building lasting bonds—not only between governments but also between peoples—anchored in history and aimed at a common future of peace, prosperity, and unity on the continent.
A full report on King Mswati III’s visit to the Asante Kingdom will follow.
