President Mahama arrives in Cairo ahead of grand Egyptian Museum opening

Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has arrived in Cairo ahead of the grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), scheduled for tomorrow, 1st November 2025.

The ceremony, to be held under the patronage of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, will bring together world leaders, monarchs, and dignitaries from across the globe.

Situated beside the Giza Pyramids, the GEM is the world’s largest archaeological museum, showcasing over 5,000 years of Egyptian civilisation. The $1 billion project, which has taken two decades to complete, houses thousands of artefacts, including 4,500 treasures from the tomb of King Tutankhamun.

Also readPatience Akyianu, former Barclays Bank Ghana MD and Hollard CEO, reportedly dies

President al-Sisi has described the museum as a “symbol of Egypt’s leadership in global culture.” Originally slated for opening in July, the event was postponed due to regional tensions but is now set to be one of the most significant cultural gatherings of the year.

Also readL.I. 2519: Full list of road traffic offences and jail terms in Ghana

The museum is a product of strong cooperation between Egypt and Japan. Japan contributed ¥84.2 billion ($800 million) in soft loans through JICA and JBIC, in addition to Egyptian and international funding. Japanese experts also trained hundreds of Egyptians in conservation and museum management as part of the collaboration.

The inauguration comes amid a revival in Egypt’s tourism sector, with revenues reaching $14.4 billion in 2023–2024 and 15 million visitors recorded in the first nine months of 2025.

Also readAccra-Kumasi Expressway: Route, interchanges, distance and key details of the 198.7km project

For Ghana, President Mahama’s attendance reflects Africa’s increasing influence in global cultural diplomacy. He was accompanied by the Executive Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama; Aide-de-Camp, Lt. Col. Abdul-Wahab Issah; Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations), Stanislav Dogbe; and the Director of State Protocol, Ambassador Aikins Abrokwa.

The Grand Egyptian Museum stands as a remarkable testament to shared heritage — blending ancient history, modern innovation, and international cooperation.