Ghana and Russia agree on nuclear and defense cooperation

During the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and Russian President Vladimir Putin reached several bilateral agreements aimed at deepening economic and strategic ties.

A primary outcome is Russia’s commitment to support Ghana in developing a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant through Rosatom. This initiative seeks to bolster Ghana’s energy security and provide the reliable electricity necessary for industrialization. This move adds Russia as a potential partner alongside existing framework agreements with China and the United States.

Other commitments announced by Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa include:

• Defense: A new cooperation arrangement to help the Ghana Armed Forces acquire strategic military equipment. • Agriculture: Enhanced collaboration to increase grain production and improve access to fertilizers. • Education: Increased scholarship opportunities for Ghanaian students in Russia. • Security: An assurance from President Putin that Ghanaian nationals will no longer be permitted to participate in the conflict in Ukraine, whether through voluntary enlistment or irregular recruitment.

The two nations also agreed to reactivate the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC).