President John Dramani Mahama and United Arab Emirates President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Wednesday agreed to deepen strategic cooperation in the energy sector, including proposed UAE investments in oil and gas storage facilities in Ghana.
The discussions took place on the sidelines of the Make it in the Emirates 2026 summit at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
The two leaders explored opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, renewable energy, innovation, technology and artificial intelligence, while placing particular emphasis on energy security and diversification.
President Mahama and Sheikh Mohamed also discussed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and acknowledged the UAE’s strategic position amid regional tensions. Both leaders expressed hope for a swift resolution to the hostilities between the United States and Iran, stressing that renewed stability would allow the international community to refocus on sustainable development and innovation.
In discussions on the future of energy, the leaders underscored the importance of diversifying energy portfolios beyond traditional fossil fuels. They examined alternative strategies to secure the energy sector, including a transition towards Liquefied Natural Gas and solar energy to reduce dependence on crude oil.
The UAE President reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Ghana and praised the West African nation as a “peaceful partner” and a “secure, stable democracy” with strong prospects for mutual growth.
President Mahama said Ghana remained committed to expanding cooperation with the UAE in ways that would create economic opportunities and advance sustainable development for both countries.
Both leaders expressed optimism that the renewed partnership would produce tangible progress in trade, investment and sustainable energy cooperation in the years ahead.
