We must go beyond political dialogue” – Mahama on Ghana–Zambia cooperation

President John Dramani Mahama has called for deeper economic and bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Zambia, stressing that African countries must move beyond diplomatic engagements to achieve meaningful development and prosperity.

Speaking during bilateral talks with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House in Lusaka, President Mahama emphasized the need for stronger collaboration across key sectors, including mining, agriculture, and trade.

“We must go beyond political dialogue and move into economic consolidation and strong bilateral economic relations between our two countries,” President Mahama stated.

The Ghanaian leader expressed appreciation for the warm reception he and his delegation received in Zambia, describing it as a reflection of the strong historical and cultural ties between the two nations.

“Let me express my appreciation for the hospitality that has been extended to us since we arrived yesterday. From the warm welcome at the airport to the enthusiasm of the people and the Ghanaian community, we truly felt at home,” he said.

President Mahama noted that Ghana and Zambia share a longstanding relationship rooted in Africa’s liberation struggle, referencing the close partnership between Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and Zambia’s founding leader, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda.

“President Kaunda and President Nkrumah were friends and comrades in the African liberation struggle. Ghana became a base for freedom fighters because our independence was seen as meaningless unless it was linked to the total liberation of Africa,” he said.

He observed that although African nations have gained political independence, structural divisions inherited from colonial rule continue to hinder the continent’s economic growth.

“As Ghana prepares to celebrate 70 years of independence next year, we can clearly see that the divisions created by the Berlin Conference have slowed Africa’s development and limited the prosperity we seek for our people,” President Mahama noted.

The President stressed that while continental initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) remain important, they must be supported by strong bilateral partnerships.

“We cannot develop continental free trade in a vacuum unless we strengthen bilateral relations that identify the products we can exchange and create the right conditions for those exchanges,” he explained.

President Mahama further highlighted similarities in the economic experiences of Ghana and Zambia, particularly in debt restructuring and fiscal reforms, which he said present opportunities for shared learning.

“Ghana and Zambia seem to be on the same trajectory. We have both faced economic challenges and undertaken reforms, and there is a lot we can learn from each other,” he said.

The discussions between the two leaders also focused on the mining sector, where both countries face challenges related to artisanal mining and operations by multinational mining companies.

“Both of us have mining industries that face similar challenges, and we are determined to share experiences and best practices,” President Mahama added.

He also conveyed appreciation from the Ghanaian community living in Zambia, noting their successful integration into Zambian society.

“They asked me to extend their thanks to you and your government for the hospitality they enjoy here. Many of them are now part of multinational families — Ghanaian and Zambian, but above all African,” he said.

President Mahama’s visit is expected to strengthen cooperation frameworks between the two countries and enhance collaboration across strategic economic sectors.