President John Dramani Mahama on Friday held talks with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the 39th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. 

The bilateral meeting centred on critical security challenges facing the African continent, particularly the deteriorating situation in the Sahel region, as well as strategies to strengthen democratic governance across Africa.

Secretary-General Guterres acknowledged President Mahama's upcoming assumption of the African Union chairmanship in 2027, commending Ghana's demonstrated leadership role, especially within the West African subregion.

Regional peace and stability featured prominently in the discussions, with particular attention given to the volatile security situation in member states of the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES).

The UN chief was briefed on President Mahama's ongoing diplomatic efforts to mediate and restore peace in the troubled region.

Mr Guterres pledged the UN's full support to President Mahama in preparation for his chairmanship of the continental body, recognising the important role Ghana is expected to play in addressing Africa's pressing challenges.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the secretary-general presented President Mahama with a special gift, a copy of the UN Charter in all six official languages of the United Nations.