By Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
President John Dramani Mahama has welcomed Sierra Leonean President and ECOWAS Chair, Julius Maada Bio, to Ghana, describing his visit as a demonstration of African solidarity following the recent devastating floods. During the one-day state visit, the two leaders also held bilateral talks ahead of the upcoming ECOWAS Summit in Freetown, focusing on regional security, democratic governance and deeper economic integration.
President Julius Maada Bio said he travelled to Ghana primarily to convey the condolences and solidarity of the government and people of Sierra Leone following the floods that claimed lives, displaced thousands and caused extensive destruction.
Describing Ghana as his “second home,” President Bio said Sierra Leone stands firmly with Ghana in difficult times, just as Ghana has always stood by Sierra Leone.
He extended sympathies to bereaved families and those whose homes, businesses and livelihoods have been affected, while commending President Mahama, emergency responders, security agencies, healthcare workers and volunteers for their response to the disaster.
The ECOWAS Chair noted that the floods highlight the growing impact of climate change across West Africa, stressing that countries in the region face similar threats from flooding, landslides, rapid urbanisation and poor environmental planning.
He called for stronger disaster preparedness, climate-resilient infrastructure, improved urban planning and closer regional cooperation to address shared challenges.
President Julius Maada Bio (ECOWAS Chair): “Today, I have come not only as a fellow President but as a brother from Sierra Leone to say to the people of Ghana: You are not alone. Your sorrow is ours, and together we will overcome these challenges.”
President Bio said beyond expressing solidarity, his visit also provided an opportunity for consultations with President Mahama ahead of the upcoming ECOWAS Summit in Freetown.
According to him, their discussions focused on regional peace and security, democratic governance, economic integration and strengthening ECOWAS to better respond to the aspirations of West Africans.
President Mahama thanked President Bio for the visit, describing it as a reflection of the enduring bonds of friendship and African unity.
He disclosed that preliminary assessments show that about 48,000 people have been displaced, 12 lives have been lost, while seven people remain missing following the floods.
The President said government has deployed the Ghana Armed Forces and the Joint Task Force to clear waterways, remove debris and restore normalcy in affected communities.
He also announced that funds have been released from the Contingency Fund to support flood relief and mitigation efforts, with NADMO expected to begin distributing relief items, including blankets, mattresses, tents and other essential supplies, to affected families.
President John Dramani Mahama said, “When a neighbour experiences tragedy, we stand together in solidarity. We deeply appreciate President Bio’s message of sympathy and support.”
President Mahama said the bilateral meeting also enabled both leaders to review key issues ahead of the ECOWAS Summit, particularly the security situation in the sub-region and other matters critical to regional cooperation.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working closely with Sierra Leone and other ECOWAS member states to promote peace, stability and sustainable development across West Africa.
