Mahama travels to Botswana on a 3-day state visit

President John Dramani Mahama will today, Monday, begin a three-day state visit to Botswana at the invitation of Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President of the Republic of Botswana.

President Mahama left Accra with his wife, Lordina, and they are expected back on Wednesday.

The two African leaders will hold bilateral talks on ways to deepen the excellent bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Botswana.

Relations between the two countries have been underpinned largely by the shared values of a stable democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Ghana has also been providing training for medical professionals from Botswana while Ghanaian veterinary officers have also received training in Botswana on meat inspection.

President Mahama's visit is a follow-up to the August 2011 visit to Ghana by President Khama.

As part of his activities, President Mahama will officially inaugurate the Dikgatlhong Dam, visit the Botswana Meat Company and tour the Diamond Trading Company in Botswana.

The Dikgatlhong Dam is the largest in Botswana with a water holding capacity of 400 million cubic metres and is expected to help solve the challenging water supply situation in the Southern African country.

President Mahama will also visit a youth empowerment project in Gaborone and share with the host authorities Ghana's experiences with youth development and empowerment.

He will also host a meeting of Ghanaian citizens in Botswana who include largely, professionals such as medical doctors, engineers, lawyers and accountants. There are many others with established businesses in the SME sector of Botswana.

Accompanying the President and his wife are Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, Minister of Education Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Nii Osah Mills.