President John Dramani Mahama held a series of bilateral meetings with global leaders on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81), seeking to strengthen trade relations, economic partnerships and cooperation on Africa’s development priorities.
Mahama met Kenyan President William Ruto, King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of Jordan and Swiss President Guy Parmelin, alongside discussions with Costa Rica’s candidate for United Nations secretary-general, Rebeca Grynspan, and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.
The engagements formed part of Ghana’s diplomatic activities during the UN General Assembly’s high-level week, which runs from Sept. 22 to 29, 2026.
Mahama, Ruto Discuss Trade and Regional Security
Discussions between Mahama and Ruto focused on trade, regional security, stronger diplomatic ties and advancing Africa’s interests in global affairs.
Relations between Ghana and Kenya date back to the early years of Africa’s independence struggle and have been strengthened in recent years through the relationship between the two presidents.
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Ruto praised Mahama for championing the Accra Reset agenda and drawing international attention to the need for African countries to pursue greater self-financing.
The Accra Reset initiative seeks to advance reforms in global development and address the financing challenges facing countries in the Global South. Mahama hosted a high-level Accra Reset event in New York on Monday, bringing together political leaders and development stakeholders.
Jordan, Switzerland Talks Focus on Economic Cooperation
During his meeting with King Abdullah II, Mahama highlighted opportunities to deepen economic cooperation, support growth and strengthen bilateral partnerships.
His discussions with Swiss President Guy Parmelin centred on Ghana’s economic recovery efforts and institutional development.
Mahama pointed to the difficult circumstances in which his administration inherited the economy and outlined Ghana’s decentralisation system, seeking Swiss support to strengthen the framework.
On revenue mobilisation, the president acknowledged that gaps remain and identified artificial intelligence as an area where Ghana could benefit from Swiss expertise.
The discussions reflect Ghana’s efforts to expand international partnerships around economic management, institutional strengthening and technology-driven development.
Engagements on Global Leadership and Financial Health
Mahama also met Rebeca Grynspan, Costa Rica’s candidate for the position of United Nations secretary-general.
Later on Tuesday afternoon, he held talks with Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in her capacity as the United Nations secretary-general’s Special Advocate for Financial Health.
Financial health focuses on helping individuals manage their finances, withstand financial shocks and access financial services that support long-term economic security. Queen Máxima is engaging government and private-sector leaders during UNGA81 to promote progress in financial health outcomes.
