Russia and Ghana expand diplomatic and economic cooperation

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa have met to discuss expanding bilateral ties and addressing regional instability in West Africa. A key focus of the discussions was the normalization of relations between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a group of three Francophone nations that recently withdrew from ECOWAS.

Russia expressed readiness to support the reintegration of the Sahel states into regional frameworks, including the African Union, noting the importance of maintaining continuity between neighboring states. Moscow has positioned itself as a security partner to the Sahel states, which have sought military-technical assistance following breaks with Western allies.

On the economic front, the two nations are entering a new phase of cooperation. Bilateral trade has grown significantly, rising from US$247 million in 2022 to over US$800 million. Discussions included exploring new investments in energy, agriculture, mining, and geological exploration. To facilitate this growth, both parties agreed to investigate alternative payment methods using local currencies to bypass existing financial obstacles. Russia views Ghana as a strategic gateway to the broader West African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).