Former President John Dramani Mahama recently met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris, where he pushed for debt relief and infrastructure funding to support Ghana’s economic development. Here are the key points from their meeting :
Debt Relief: Mahama urged Macron to support Ghana’s debt restructuring efforts, highlighting the country’s improved debt-to-GDP ratio as a positive indicator of economic progress. France has already granted Ghana debt relief, with a €87.7 million agreement signed in July 2025, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s economic recovery.
Infrastructure Funding: Mahama requested French assistance in securing funding for infrastructure projects, particularly in the health sector. A French concessionary loan is awaiting parliamentary approval, and Mahama asked Macron to facilitate its approval.
Fairer Financial System: As the African Union Champion of African Financial Institutions, Mahama advocated for a fairer global financial system that supports developing economies with lower interest rates and sustainable loan conditions. He urged France to use its influence within international financial institutions, such as the IMF and French Development Bank, to support Ghana and other African countries in renegotiating high-interest loan agreements.
Maritime Security: Mahama also sought French support to strengthen Ghana’s maritime security amid growing piracy threats in the Gulf of Guinea. He requested assistance to protect Ghana’s territorial waters and enhance regional stability.
Economic Cooperation: The meeting highlighted opportunities for collaboration between Ghana and France, including the VivaTech Summit in Nairobi, the AU-EU Summit in Angola, and the G7 Summit in June 2026, where France will advocate for increased support for Ghana. The meeting demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to strengthening ties with France and securing support for its economic development agenda.
