President John Dramani Mahama has paid tribute to the soldiers and civilians who defended Belarus against the Nazi invasion during World War II, describing their courage and resilience as an enduring symbol of national strength and development.
The President laid a wreath at the historic Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex during an official visit to the Belarusian city of Brest, where he was hosted by Governor Piotr Alexsandrovich following a guided tour of the renowned World War II landmark.
President Mahama was accompanied by Steem Jehu-Appiah, Presidential Advisor and Special Aide Joyce Bawah Mogtari, officials from Belarus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives of Ghana’s Mission in Moscow.
The memorial complex, located near the border with Poland, is one of Belarus’ most revered historical sites. It was among the first targets of Nazi Germany's invasion of the former Soviet Union on June 22, 1941, and has since become a symbol of resistance and sacrifice.
During the tour, Governor Alexsandrovich explained the significance of the fortress to the Belarusian people, noting that it remains one of the country's most visited attractions, welcoming more than 120,000 visitors in 2025.
Drawing on his background as a historian, President Mahama reflected on the extraordinary resistance mounted by Soviet soldiers and civilians who defended the fortress for weeks despite severe shortages of food, water and ammunition.
He observed that the determination displayed by the defenders has become a defining feature of Belarusian identity and has contributed to the country’s modern achievements in economic development and industrialisation.
The heroism of the people of Brest is well-documented in history,” President 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 fortress still preserves wartime structures, including bomb-damaged barracks, gates and a church, alongside personal belongings, letters and weapons used by the defenders. The site has become an international symbol of unwavering resistance in the face of overwhelming odds.
Following the memorial tour, President Mahama attended a special luncheon hosted in his honour, where he praised the warm hospitality extended by the people of Brest and described it as a reflection of the growing friendship between Ghana and Belarus.
The President expressed optimism that the visit would help strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in key sectors that align with Ghana’s development agenda.
I hope this visit will draw Ghana closer to Belarus, especially in the fields of agriculture, mining, and manufacturing,” he stated.
President Mahama also extended an invitation to Belarusian businesses and investors to explore opportunities in Ghana, emphasizing the country’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
He concluded by expressing confidence that the relationship between Ghana and Belarus would continue to deepen, creating new opportunities for trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two countries.
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