President Boakai's Ghana Trip: A Wedding or Diplomatic Mission?

Monrovia Liberia: President Joseph Boakai has revealed that his recent trip to Ghana was not coincidental with his wedding visit. In an interview with journalists at Robert International Airport, he clarified that the purpose of his visit was to attend the wedding of a longtime friend, Samuel P. Oduro, a successful businessman he has known for 47 years.

“I went to Ghana to see one of my old-time friends and also to attend his wedding,” President Boakai shared.

Presient Boakai At RIA Being Questioned By Executive Mansion Journalist.

While in Ghana, the President also met with both outgoing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and incoming President John Dramani Mahama, with the aim of further strengthening the ties between Liberia and Ghana.

Although the President's trip lasted only a few days, it was met with some criticism, with detractors claiming that it was a waste of the country’s resources.

During his time in Accra, President Boakai engaged in discussions with the two Ghanaian leaders, focusing on bilateral relations and regional cooperation. He also attended the wedding of Oduro’s daughter, marking an important personal milestone for his long-standing friendship.

The President was warmly received by a delegation of government officials, including Liberia's Minister of Justice, Counsel Oswald N. Tweh, who oversaw the Cabinet’s activities in the President's absence.

In his discussions with President-elect Mahama, President Boakai congratulated him on his recent electoral victory and reaffirmed Liberia's commitment to fostering stronger relations with Ghana. He praised the peaceful and democratic nature of Ghana’s elections, calling them a testament to the country’s dedication to democratic principles.

“Our two nations share a rich history, values, and aspirations. As Ghana enters this new phase, Liberia is ready to collaborate on regional and global issues,” President Boakai stated.

He further emphasized that Mahama’s victory was a significant win for the people of Ghana and a symbol of hope for democracy in West Africa. The two leaders also discussed opportunities for enhancing regional integration, boosting trade, improving security, and addressing shared challenges such as climate change and economic growth.

President Boakai reiterated Liberia’s strong belief in Ghana’s critical role in maintaining peace and stability within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and expressed Liberia’s readiness to collaborate closely with the incoming administration to support these objectives.

President Boakai and President-elect Mahama

President-elect Mahama expressed his appreciation for the visit and assured President Boakai that his administration would continue to prioritize strengthening partnerships across the region, including with Liberia.

This meeting between the two leaders reflects the long-standing friendship and mutual respect between Liberia and Ghana.