President Mahama Attends Global Summit in Dubai as Ghana Intensifies Investigation into Student's Death in Latvia

President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Dubai to participate in the 2026 World Governments Summit, marking a significant period of high-level diplomatic activity for Ghana. Invited by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President Mahama will engage with global leaders from February 2 to 4 to discuss future governance strategies. This international appearance comes on the heels of the President being ranked fifth on DEVEX’s prestigious list of the 50 most powerful people in global development. The ranking recognizes his leadership in promoting the "Accra Reset," a transformative vision for African development centered on debt relief, trade reform, and climate finance.

Upon his arrival in the United Arab Emirates, where he was met by Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, the President was accorded high-level hospitality, including the provision of a special aircraft for his travel from Accra. The Dubai summit is part of a broader diplomatic itinerary that includes an upcoming State Visit to Lusaka, Zambia, from February 4 to 6. At the invitation of President Hakainde Hichilema, this visit is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and regional development initiatives, reinforcing Ghana's active role in continental leadership.

Simultaneously, the Ghanaian government is demonstrating its commitment to citizen welfare through an intensive investigative mission in Latvia. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has arrived in the Baltic nation for a two-day official visit to probe the death of a Ghanaian student, Nana Agyei Ahyia. Leading a six-member delegation that includes forensic experts, pathologists, and senior directors from the Foreign Ministry, Ablakwa is seeking closure and justice for the bereaved family. Latvia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Baiba BraŹe, has pledged full cooperation, facilitating meetings with the country’s Ministries of Interior and Education to clarify the circumstances of the tragedy.

Minister Ablakwa has emphasized the transparency of this mission, refuting social media allegations regarding travel funding and extortion by clarifying that all expenses are fully covered by the Ministry. The delegation also includes two family members of the deceased who were assisted in resolving visa delays to participate in the inquiry. These parallel efforts—ranging from shaping global governance and development policy in the Middle East to pursuing justice for a citizen in Eastern Europe—highlight the dual priorities of the current administration in maintaining a robust international presence while protecting the rights of Ghanaians abroad.