President John Dramani Mahama has secured a historic procurement arrangement with the Republic of Belarus for the supply of 1,840 pieces of agricultural equipment, marking the first major tangible outcome of his ongoing state visit to the Eastern European nation.
Addressing the first-ever Belarus–Ghana Business Forum in the Belarusian capital of Minsk on Monday, President Mahama announced that Ghana has placed the equipment order to support the rollout of Farmers Service Centres under the government’s flagship Feed Ghana Programme, aimed at improving productivity and strengthening food security nationwide.
The deal represents the first concrete result of what both sides have described as a renewed push to transform decades of diplomatic ties into measurable economic benefits.
President Mahama described the collaboration as a direct reflection of the deepening economic partnership between the two nations and called on the private sectors of both countries to move beyond diplomatic cordiality to forge lasting commercial partnerships.
A Strategic Partnership for Agricultural Modernisation
Speaking before a gathering of business leaders, investors and policymakers, President Mahama underscored the urgency of Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda, calling it “one of the most ambitious agricultural modernisation programmes in the country’s history.” He highlighted that the administration is investing in mechanisation, irrigation development, improved seed distribution, livestock production and agro-processing to enhance output and create jobs along the value chain.
The 1,840 units of agricultural machinery—including tractors and harvesters—are set to be supplied by Gomselmash, one of Belarus’s most renowned agricultural equipment manufacturers with an international reputation for excellence in farm machinery production and agro-industrial systems. President Mahama personally vouched for the reliability of the Belarusian technology, stating that he himself owns and uses a Belarusian tractor on his farm and has experienced firsthand its durability.
“I have looked at Belarusian tractors and realised that they are among the most reliable machines in the world. I also own such a tractor myself, so I have the opportunity to verify that Belarus manufactures high-quality agricultural machines,” the Ghanaian leader told the forum.
Three Major MoUs Signed to Deepen Economic Ties
The visit culminated in the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. The agreements, signed during an official ceremony at the Palace of Independence following talks between President Mahama and Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, cover:
· Establishment of a Joint Commission on Cooperation in Trade and Economy – A framework to coordinate efforts to expand trade ties and economic cooperation, with President Lukashenko urging the committee’s first meeting to be convened “without delay” to implement all agreements reached during the visit;
· Cooperation between the Chambers of Commerce of both countries – An accord designed to promote trade and investment flows between Ghanaian and Belarusian businesses, fostering direct private sector engagement; and
· Collaboration in Agriculture – A comprehensive framework for technology transfer, skills development and agricultural mechanisation, formalising the deepening partnership in food security.
The MoUs were signed on behalf of Ghana by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Ambassador to Russia Dr Steem Jehu-Appiah, and Food and Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku respectively.
President Mahama described the agreements as going beyond diplomatic symbolism, noting that “they create a practical foundation for the private sector and state institutions of both countries to work together and remove barriers that have limited engagement between Ghana and Belarus.” He expressed hope that the documents would translate into concrete actions benefiting the citizens of both nations.
Economic Turnaround on Display
At the Belarus–Ghana Business Forum, President Mahama took the opportunity to showcase Ghana’s remarkable economic recovery since his administration assumed office in January 2025. He cited significant macroeconomic improvements, including:
· Inflation dropping sharply from approximately 54.1 per cent in 2023 to 3.4 per cent in 2026;
· International reserves strengthening from $8.6 billion in 2024 to $13.9 billion in 2025;
· Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product surpassing $100 billion to reach $114 billion, making Ghana the eighth largest economy in Africa;
· The cedi appreciating by 46 per cent against major trading currencies in 2025; and
· Economic growth recorded above six per cent.
“Investor confidence has returned,” President Mahama declared to the forum.
The President also outlined his administration’s flagship 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, designed to maximise productivity, expand industrial output and position Ghana as a leading production and export hub in Africa.
Mining Equipment Deal and Sectoral Expansion
Beyond agriculture, significant progress was made in the mining sector. President Mahama disclosed that an agreement has been reached for Belarusian manufacturers of mining equipment to visit Ghana as early as next week to explore collaboration opportunities. This follows discussions between the two leaders on expanding cooperation in mining support services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, transport and logistics, technical and vocational education, and renewable energy.
President Lukashenko also revealed that defence and military-industrial cooperation featured in closed-door discussions, though no details of any possible defence arrangements were provided.
Visa Waiver Agreement and Embassy Opening
A major diplomatic breakthrough was also achieved during the visit with the conclusion of an intergovernmental agreement on visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and service passports, intended to facilitate official travel, trade and educational exchanges between the two countries.
Furthermore, both leaders expressed support for the mutual opening of embassies in Accra and Minsk. Currently, Ghana’s diplomatic representation in Belarus is managed through its embassy in Moscow. President Lukashenko stated: “The president raised the issue of opening embassies in both countries during our talks. We support such an initiative, but we would very much like our joint intergovernmental committee to begin its work.” The establishment of full diplomatic missions is expected to further enhance bilateral engagement and trade facilitation.
President Lukashenko accepted an invitation from President Mahama to visit Ghana, a trip that would mark his first visit to West Africa if undertaken.
Tour of Agro-Industrial Hub and Brest Hero Fortress
As part of his four-day state visit, President Mahama travelled to the industrial city of Brest, where he toured one of Belarus’s largest dairy processing facilities. Accompanied by his Special Aide and Advisor Joyce Bawah Mogtari and Ghana’s Ambassador to Russia Dr Jehu-Appiah, the President observed state-of-the-art production systems capable of producing baby food, milk, cheese and milk powder for both domestic consumption and global export markets.
The facility’s Managing Director, Aleksandr Savchits, disclosed that the agro-processing giant generated more than US$1.4 billion in profit last year and has recently begun exporting dairy products to Ghana, with plans to expand that trade as bilateral ties deepen.
President Mahama stressed that reducing post-harvest losses—a major challenge for Ghanaian farmers—remains a priority for Ghana, and that the country is looking for practical solutions through partnerships with countries like Belarus. “We are here to tap into Belarus’s vast experience as we work to make Ghana self-dependent in food production,” he said.
The President also paid tribute at the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex and laid a wreath at the Victory Monument in Minsk to honour Soviet Army soldiers and Belarusian partisans who fought with immense bravery during World War II.
Complementary Economies and Global South Solidarity
President Mahama described the economies of Ghana and Belarus as “highly complementary,” noting that Belarus possesses strengths in agricultural mechanisation, industrial manufacturing, fertiliser production and pharmaceuticals, while Ghana offers political stability, natural resources and strategic access to African markets through the African Continental Free Trade Area, which comprises a market of 1.4 billion people.
The President placed the partnership within a broader vision of Global South solidarity, stating: “We, representing the Global South, will be happy to build such partnerships with all the countries that are ready to build a more balanced and inclusive world order.” He emphasised that equal and inclusive cooperation among developing nations is more important than ever at a time when the world is dealing with food insecurity, climate change and geopolitical pressures.
A Historic First
This marks the first highest-level visit in the history of bilateral relations between Ghana and Belarus since diplomatic ties were established on 5 June 1992, reflecting the growing strategic importance of the relationship. Belarusian Foreign Affairs Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov described the visit as “a crucial element in shaping the future paradigm of bilateral relations”.
The four-day state visit, undertaken at the invitation of President Lukashenko, also included Ghanaian delegation members such as Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Stan Xoese Dogbe; Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim; and senior government officials alongside representatives of the Ghanaian private sector.
Looking Ahead
President Mahama extended an open invitation to Belarusian investors to participate in commercial farming, irrigation development, greenhouse production, fertiliser manufacturing, aquaculture, food processing and agricultural logistics in Ghana. He assured investors of Ghana’s political stability, transparent legal and regulatory systems, robust investor protection, and guarantee of profit repatriation.
He also invited a Belarusian business delegation to visit Ghana to explore the expanding range of opportunities available, including the potential establishment of a Belarusian commercial and distribution hub in Ghana to serve West African markets.
President Mahama will return to Accra on June 9, 2026, where he will be received by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Chief of Staff Hon. Julius Debrah, and senior government officials upon arrival. The visit follows his participation in the Ghana Investment Summit in the United Kingdom, where he also announced the signing of the Ghana–UK Growth and Investment Partnership covering areas including a commercial ship repair facility in Takoradi, afforestation projects, artificial intelligence training, and capacity building for clinical and biomedical engineering.
