List of leaders President Ruto met in Ghana

President William Ruto with the United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, on the sidelines of the inauguration of John Mahama as the President of Ghana, Accra/PCS

President William Ruto left the country on Monday for the inauguration of Ghana’s new President John Mahama who was elected last year for a second term.

The visit followed a special invitation extended by Mahama during his trip to Kenya on December 29, 2024.

Part of the President’s engagement on the sidelines of the inauguration included holding talks with Heads of State and Government on key areas of mutual interest and cooperation, including trade, energy, oil, textiles, agriculture and diplomatic relations.

Ruto is the African Union Champion for Institutional Reform. He took over from President Paul Kagame of Rwanda in February 2024.

He also used the visit to discuss reforms of the African Union that are aimed at improving institutional efficiency and strategic focus.

In Ghana, President Ruto met President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo in Accra where they discussed reforms at the African Union.

According to Ruto, President Gnassingbé pledged his support for Raila Odinga’s candidature for the African Union Commission chairperson.

He also met the Equatorial Guinea Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue who pledged his country's support for Raila's AUC chairperson bid.

Ruto later on met the United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa Lord Collins on the sidelines of the inauguration of John Mahama as the President of Ghana, Accra.

“Africa’s transformation leans on its stability, especially in the Great Lakes Region. We appreciate the United Kingdom for supporting the continent’s peace and security efforts,” he said.

He also had a meeting with the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Wamkele Mene.

Ruto insisted that intra-African trade’s potential will only be realised when all parties create a conducive environment for businesses to incubate and flourish.

President Ruto also sought Botswana President Duma Boko's support for Raila's AUC bid after their sideline meeting in Ghana.

It is the first time the two leaders have met.