President Mahama Hosts Sierra Leone’s President Bio in Accra for High-Level Talks

President John Dramani Mahama on Friday received President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone during a one-day state visit to Accra. The visit focused on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing pressing regional challenges, particularly climate-induced flooding and enhanced cooperation within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

President Bio, who currently chairs the ECOWAS Authority, extended condolences and solidarity to Ghana over the recent devastating floods that have displaced thousands and claimed lives across the country. He expressed deep sympathy for the affected communities and underscored the urgent need for collective West African action on climate change, urban planning, and disaster preparedness.

In response, President Mahama detailed Ghana’s ongoing recovery efforts. The government has mobilized the Ghana Armed Forces and the Joint Task Force to clear waterways and restore normalcy in flood-hit areas. He also confirmed that the Finance Minister has released funds from the Contingency Fund to support relief operations coordinated by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other agencies. Preliminary assessments indicate approximately 48,000 people have been rendered homeless, with 12 confirmed fatalities and several others still unaccounted for.

The two leaders held productive bilateral consultations on regional security, governance, and economic integration within ECOWAS. These discussions come ahead of an upcoming ECOWAS summit to be hosted in Sierra Leone, highlighting a shared vision for deeper sub-regional collaboration.

The visit reaffirmed the longstanding bonds of friendship and solidarity between Ghana and Sierra Leone. Both nations expressed commitment to working together through ECOWAS to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development across West Africa.