Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has welcomed King Mswati III of Eswatini to Accra for talks aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between the two African nations.
The Eswatini monarch arrived in Ghana on Tuesday for a four-day state visit, with both leaders emphasising the potential for enhanced cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking at the Jubilee House, President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s historical role in Africa’s liberation movement and called for renewed commitment to continental unity, invoking the vision of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah.
“We are pleased to have signed the AfCFTA Protocol, which enables both countries to trade goods and services freely with each other and helps strengthen economic ties,” President Mahama said during the bilateral meeting.
King Mswati III described the visit as “a significant moment in the shared history of both nations” and praised Ghana’s cultural heritage and resilience as an inspiration across Africa.
“Together, we can learn from one another, share our experiences, and work towards a prosperous future,” the king said, emphasising unity between the two countries whilst celebrating their differences.
The talks culminated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding establishing a joint commission for cooperation between Ghana and Eswatini. Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and his Eswatini counterpart, Pholile Shakantu, signed the agreement.
President Mahama said the visit would open new opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange. He stressed the importance of the AfCFTA as a vital tool for boosting intra-African trade.
The state visit underscores growing diplomatic engagement between African nations as they seek to leverage continental trade agreements to strengthen economic partnerships.
Both leaders expressed optimism that the cooperation framework would serve as a model for broader African integration efforts.
