President of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to forging a lasting strategic partnership with Ghana, lauding the nation’s governance reforms and urging enhanced cooperation in education, infrastructure, maritime security and regional stability.

Speaking in bilateral discussions with President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House, President Nguema conveyed his gratitude for the warm reception extended to him and his delegation and emphasised the long-standing ties between the two countries.

“I wish first to express my sincere appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation,” he said.

The Gabonese leader paid homage to Ghana’s tradition of Pan‑African leadership, asserting that the principles championed by Dr Kwame Nkrumah and former President Jerry John Rawlings continue to inform governance across the continent.

He also thanked President Mahama for attending his swearing‑in ceremony and the inauguration of Gabon’s Parliament, describing the gesture as evidence of the enduring friendship between the two states.

President Nguema commended Ghana’s ongoing reforms in the mining industry, describing efforts to enhance transparency, governance and value addition as exemplary for other African nations.

He equally praised Ghana’s strides in cocoa processing, observing that value addition remains crucial to job creation and wealth generation across the continent.

“Like Ghana, Gabon is pursuing local processing of its manganese resources because value addition creates wealth, generates employment and offers opportunities for our young people,” he said.

The Gabonese President further applauded Ghana’s social protection programmes and its initiatives to broaden access to public services, arguing that inclusive development should remain a continental priority.

On education, President Nguema expressed gratitude for Ghana’s hospitality to Gabonese students and revealed that his administration expects the number of Gabonese studying in Ghana to rise following recent policy changes.

“We believe it is necessary to examine scholarship opportunities more closely so that more Gabonese students can benefit from educational opportunities in Ghana. Investing in the education of our youth is investing in the future of our nation,” he stated.

He acknowledged that scholarship costs in Ghana have increased but expressed confidence that both governments can continue talks to expand educational access.

President Nguema also welcomed Ghana’s infrastructure development agenda and disclosed that he had instructed Gabon’s Ministers for Infrastructure and Transport to develop proposals aimed at deepening cooperation with Ghana in transport and logistics.

On regional security, he affirmed Gabon’s readiness to collaborate with Ghana to protect the Gulf of Guinea, underlining the necessity for African states to take the lead in countering maritime piracy, illicit trafficking and other security threats.

“We must intensify our common efforts to combat maritime piracy, illegal trafficking and all other threats affecting maritime security. Africa must increasingly take responsibility for safeguarding its own peace and security,” he said.

Addressing political transitions in Africa, President Nguema urged greater solidarity among continental leaders, contending that countries emerging from instability require constructive engagement rather than isolation.

He commended President Mahama for Ghana’s support during Gabon’s return to constitutional order.

“I wish particularly to thank my senior brother, President Mahama, because throughout Gabon’s difficult period, Ghana remained by our side. I believe we must extend the same spirit of solidarity to our colleagues in other countries experiencing similar challenges,” he said.

President Nguema concluded by seeking Ghana’s backing for Gabon’s bid to host a future African Union Summit and extended an invitation to President Mahama to pay a state visit to Gabon.

“I therefore count on your support, my dear senior brother, when the appropriate time comes,” he said, expressing confidence that closer collaboration between the two countries would bolster regional integration and Africa’s collective progress