President John Dramani Mahama has laid a wreath at the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex in Belarus, honouring the soldiers and civilians who resisted the Nazi invasion of 1941, before being hosted at a special lunch by the Governor of Brest, Piotr Alexsandrovich.
The Fortress, located in a border town near Poland, was among the first sites targeted by Nazi Germany on 22nd June 1941, just hours after the invasion of the then-Soviet Union began.
Soviet soldiers held their ground for weeks following the initial assault, mounting a fierce defence despite running out of ammunition, food and water before the area was eventually liberated.
The site today remains preserved in its wartime state, housing bombed barracks, gates and a church alongside weapons, letters and personal belongings of the defenders.
During a guided tour of the memorial, Governor Alexsandrovich briefed the President on the significance of the site, noting that it is considered sacred by Belarusians and drew over 120,000 visitors in 2025 alone.
President Mahama, who has a background in history, said it was a privilege to witness firsthand the bravery of the Belarusian people, and remarked that the resilience the Fortress represents has become a defining feature of the country’s modern economic development and industrialisation.
At the lunch hosted by the Governor, the President said the warm reception was a reflection of the growing ties between Belarus and Ghana.
“The heroism of the people of Brest is well-documented in history,” he 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.”
He added that he hopes the visit will bring Ghana and Belarus closer, particularly in agriculture, mining and manufacturing, and extended an invitation to Belarusian investors to explore opportunities in Ghana.
Accompanying the President were Ghana’s Ambassador to Russia Dr Steem Jehu-Appiah, Advisor and Special Aide Joyce Bawah Mogtari, officials from the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives from the Ghana Mission in Moscow.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
