Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has welcomed President John Dramani Mahama back to Ghana following his official visits to the United Kingdom and Belarus, which yielded a number of agreements aimed at strengthening Ghana’s economic growth, trade, and international partnerships.

During his visit to the United Kingdom, President Mahama participated in the Ghana Investment Summit, where Ghana’s recent economic recovery and reform agenda were showcased to investors and business leaders.

The engagements resulted in several key outcomes, including the Ghana–UK Growth Agreement, cooperation on Artificial Intelligence and digital trade, support for the training of engineers to maintain medical equipment, and plans for the establishment of Ghana’s first commercial-scale ship repair yard in Takoradi.

The President also held a series of high-level engagements, including a meeting with King Charles III, bilateral discussions with the British Prime Minister, interactions with members of the Ghanaian business community, and a visit to the London Stock Exchange, where he rang the opening bell to promote Ghana as an attractive destination for investment.

In Belarus, President Mahama’s discussions centred on agriculture, trade, industrial development, and technical cooperation. A major highlight of the visit was the signing of agreements to facilitate the supply of modern agricultural machinery under the government’s Farmer Service Centres Programme.

The visit also strengthened bilateral relations between Ghana and Belarus through engagements with the Belarusian President, the establishment of new mechanisms to deepen economic cooperation, and the conclusion of visa-waiver arrangements aimed at enhancing exchanges between the two countries.

Upon his return, President Mahama addressed the recent floods and building collapses that have impacted several communities across the country.

He stressed the importance of discipline, accountability, and strict compliance with development regulations, particularly in relation to encroachment on waterways, wetlands, and designated green zones.

The President subsequently directed the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other relevant institutions to identify affected waterways and implement measures to prevent future disasters.

According to President Mahama, protecting lives and property requires a collective national effort, with all stakeholders demonstrating commitment to responsible development, environmental protection, and adherence to existing laws and regulations.

The Vice President said the outcomes of the President’s engagements abroad are expected to contribute significantly to Ghana’s economic transformation agenda while strengthening the country’s international partnerships and development prospects.