President John Dramani Mahama arrived in Doha, Qatar, Saturday morning to participate in the Doha Forum 2025, following an invitation from the Emir of Qatar, H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
During the two-day high-level gathering, President Mahama is expected to make two major interventions. He will deliver opening remarks on the theme “Education as Justice in Times of Crisis,” highlighting the role of equitable education in mitigating global instability.
He will later join a strategic panel discussion on “Economic Empowerment in Africa: Pathway to Inclusive Prosperity”, where he is anticipated to articulate Ghana’s development priorities and Africa’s broader vision for inclusive economic transformation.
President Mahama will also hold bilateral talks with the Emir of Qatar aimed at advancing cooperation between the two nations in areas of mutual interest, including energy, investment, education, and job creation.
Ghana–Qatar Relations
Ghana and Qatar have maintained cordial diplomatic and economic relations for nearly two decades, anchored on cooperation in energy, investment, aviation, and labour exchange. Qatar has emerged as one of the preferred Gulf destinations for Ghanaian skilled and semi-skilled workers, with thousands employed in construction, security services, hospitality, and domestic support roles.
Both countries have previously explored partnerships in agriculture, sports development, oil and gas, and infrastructural investment. Ghana opened its embassy in Doha in 2018, further strengthening diplomatic cooperation and paving the way for high-level engagements, trade missions, and cultural exchange.
Qatar has also shown increasing interest in Africa’s energy market and infrastructure development, positioning Ghana as a potential gateway for Gulf investments into West Africa.
Potential Impact of Mahama’s Visit on Ghana
President Mahama’s participation in the Doha Forum 2025 is expected to boost Ghana’s international visibility and reinforce its voice on global policy issues particularly education, economic empowerment, and inclusive development.
His bilateral meeting with the Emir holds potential for expanded cooperation in key sectors, including:
Energy investment: Qatar’s experience in natural gas infrastructure could support Ghana’s gas-to-power agenda, LNG storage, and energy transition efforts.
Agriculture and food security: Qatar’s investments in agritech and large-scale farming could open new opportunities for Ghanaian agribusiness and exports.
Aviation and tourism: Enhanced collaboration with Qatar Airways can expand Ghana’s connectivity to the Middle East and Asia.
Youth employment: Increased labour cooperation could create regulated opportunities for Ghanaian skilled workers in Qatar.
Education partnerships: Qatar’s education foundations and international institutions may partner with Ghana in scholarships, training programmes, and crisis-resilient education initiatives.
The trip is also expected to signal Ghana’s renewed commitment to global diplomacy under President Mahama, while attracting potential investment inflows as the country pursues economic recovery and job creation.
President Mahama is scheduled to depart Doha on Sunday after completing his engagements at the Forum.
