By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada
September 22, 2026
President John Dramani Mahama has held bilateral talks with Kenyan President William Ruto on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The meeting forms part of President Mahama’s diplomatic engagements during his participation in the annual gathering of world leaders.
Mahama arrived in New York after leaving Accra on September 19 for the UN General Assembly, which is being held under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.”
The Ghanaian President has used his presence at the General Assembly to engage world leaders and international partners on issues affecting Africa and the wider Global South.
Ruto participates in Mahama’s Accra Reset event
President Ruto was among prominent international leaders who participated in a high-level Accra Reset event hosted by President Mahama in New York on Monday.
The event focused on reforming global development systems and addressing challenges facing developing countries, particularly in areas such as health financing and institutional capacity.
The Accra Reset initiative seeks to promote greater ownership and control by countries in the Global South over their development priorities.
During the event, Mahama launched a report titled “A Sovereign Future for Health,” which proposes measures including stronger domestic pharmaceutical production and more sustainable health financing systems.
Ghana-Kenya relations
The bilateral meeting between Mahama and Ruto provides an opportunity for the two West and East African leaders to exchange views on issues of mutual interest and broader continental priorities.
Ghana and Kenya maintain diplomatic and economic relations, with both countries playing active roles in regional and continental discussions on development, trade, governance and international cooperation.
Their meeting also comes at a time when African leaders are pushing for greater representation and influence for the continent in global decision-making.
President Mahama is scheduled to deliver Ghana’s official statement during the UN General Debate on Thursday, September 24.
His programme also includes meetings with other world leaders, the UN Secretary-General, business executives and members of the Ghanaian diaspora.
