Mahama honours WWII heroes in Belarus, seeks stronger economic ties with Ghana

Africa, Politics

BREST, Belarus (NPA) — Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has laid a wreath at the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex in Belarus, paying tribute to the soldiers and civilians who resisted the Nazi invasion of 1941 during World War II.

Mahama visited the historic site during his official trip to Belarus and was accompanied by Ghana’s Ambassador to Russia, Dr Steem Jehu-Appiah, Presidential Adviser and Special Aide Joyce Bawah Mogtari, officials of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives of Ghana’s mission in Moscow.

Located near the Polish border, the Brest Hero Fortress is one of Belarus’ most significant World War II memorials and among the first locations attacked by Nazi Germany on June 22, 1941, following the invasion of the then Soviet Union.

During a guided tour of the memorial complex, the Governor of Brest, Piotr Alexsandrovich, briefed the Ghanaian leader on the historical significance of the site.

According to the governor, the fortress remains a sacred national monument and one of Belarus’ most visited landmarks, attracting more than 120,000 visitors in 2025 alone.

Reflecting on the visit, Mahama described it as a privilege to witness firsthand the courage and resilience displayed by the people of Belarus during one of the darkest periods in modern history.

The Ghanaian president noted that the spirit of sacrifice and determination demonstrated by the defenders of Brest had become a defining feature of Belarus’ modern development and industrial progress.

Providing historical context, Mahama recounted how Soviet troops and their allies mounted a fierce resistance against invading Nazi forces despite severe shortages of ammunition, food and water.

The fortress still preserves bomb-damaged barracks, gates and a church, alongside weapons, letters and personal belongings of the defenders, serving as a lasting symbol of resistance and sacrifice.

Following the tour, Mahama attended a luncheon hosted in his honour, where he praised the hospitality extended to him and described it as a reflection of the growing friendship between Ghana and Belarus.

“The heroism of the people of Brest is well documented in history,” Mahama said.

“Brest has demonstrated that it is not only about history; it is about production, development, industrialisation and culture. It is about everything that makes human life better.”

The president expressed optimism that the visit would strengthen bilateral cooperation between both countries, particularly in agriculture, mining and manufacturing.

“I hope this visit will draw Ghana closer to Belarus, especially in the fields of agriculture, mining and manufacturing,” he said.

Mahama also extended an invitation to Belarusian investors to explore opportunities in Ghana, expressing confidence that relations between the two nations would continue to grow.

He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to deepening economic partnerships and fostering long-term cooperation with Belarus across key sectors of mutual interest.