A statement issued by Mr Eugene Arhin, Director of Communications at the presidency, said the visit was to afford the President the opportunity to formally introduce himself as the new Ghanaian leader to the governments and people of the neighbouring countries.

The visit is also to enable the President explore and deepen bilateral relations with them, and reiterate Ghana’s full commitment to the ECOWAS project. 

The statement said the President will be in Togo from today May 2 to 4 and then move to Burkina Faso from May 4 to 5 and Cote d’Ivoire from May 5 to 7.

It said the President will, in the remaining days of the month, visit other seven countries in the ECOWAS region including Nigeria, Senegal, Guinea, Benin, Cape Verde, and, then, finally to Liberia and Sierra Leone.  

The President will be accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway and officials of the Presidency and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The statement said President Akufo-Addo will return to Ghana from the first phase of his tour on Sunday, May 7, 2017.

In his absence, the Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, shall, in accordance with Article 60(8) of the Constitution, act in his stead.