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 in 1941.

The President, a historian by profession, was accompanied by Ghana’s Ambassador to Russia, Dr. Steem Jehu-Appiah, his Advisor and Special Aide Joyce Bawah Mogtari, officials from the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives of Ghana’s mission in Moscow.

The fortress, located in the border town near Poland, is one of Belarus’ most significant World War II memorials. It was among the first sites targeted by Nazi Germany on June 22, 1941, just hours after the invasion of the then-USSR began.

During a guided tour, the Governor of Brest, Piotr Alexandrovich, briefed President Mahama on the significance of the landmark. He said the site is regarded as sacred by Belarusians and remains one of the country’s most visited locations, with more than 120,000 visitors recorded in 2025 alone.

President Mahama said it was a privilege to see firsthand the bravery of the Belarusian people. He added that this historical resilience has become a hallmark of the country’s modern economic development and industrialisation.

The President recounted how Soviet soldiers and their allies put up a fierce defence for weeks after the initial Nazi assault, despite having almost no ammunition, food or water, holding the line until the area was eventually liberated.

The fortress still preserves bombed barracks, gates and a church in their wartime state, along with weapons, letters and personal belongings of the defenders. It has since become a global symbol of “no step back” resistance.

After the tour, President Mahama was hosted to a special lunch, where he described the warm reception as a sign of deepening relations between Ghana and Belarus.

The heroism of the people of Brest is well-documented in history, the President 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 said he hoped the visit would draw Ghana closer to Belarus, especially in agriculture, mining and manufacturing, and invited Belarusian investors to explore opportunities in Ghana.

President Mahama concluded by expressing his hope that the bond of friendship between the two nations would remain permanent.

By Blessed EDUAMOAH DADZIE