President John Dramani Mahama has laid a wreath at the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex in honour of soldiers and civilians who resisted the Nazi invasion of 1941.
He was accompanied by Ghana’s Ambassador to Russia, Dr Steem Jehu-Appiah, Presidential Advisor and Special Aide Joyce Bawah Mogtari, officials from the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives of the Ghana Mission in Moscow.
The fortress, located near the border with Poland, is one of Belarus’ most significant World War II memorials. It was among the first sites attacked by Nazi Germany on June 22, 1941, just hours after the invasion of the then-Soviet Union began.
During a guided tour, the Governor of Brest, Piotr Alexsandrovich, briefed the President on the historical importance of the site, describing it as a sacred national monument and one of the most visited landmarks in Belarus, attracting over 120,000 visitors in 2025.
President Mahama, who described himself as a historian, said it was a privilege to witness firsthand the bravery and resilience of the Belarusian people, noting that their resistance has become a defining feature of the country’s modern identity and development.
Providing historical context, he referenced how Soviet soldiers and their allies mounted a fierce defence for weeks despite severe shortages of ammunition, food and water, holding their position until eventual liberation.
The fortress still preserves bombed barracks, gates and a church in their wartime condition, alongside weapons, letters and personal belongings of defenders. It has since become a global symbol of the “no step back” resistance during the Second World War.
Following the tour, President Mahama was hosted to a luncheon, where he described the reception as a reflection of growing ties between Ghana and Belarus.
“The heroism of the people of Brest is well documented in history. 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 said.
He added that the visit should help deepen cooperation between Ghana and Belarus, particularly in agriculture, mining and manufacturing.
President Mahama also extended an invitation to Belarusian investors to explore opportunities in Ghana, expressing hope for a sustained partnership between the two nations.
Below are some photos
