Russia and Ghana reach agreements on nuclear energy and recruitment

During the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, President John Dramani Mahama and Russian President Vladimir Putin reached six bilateral agreements aimed at deepening cooperation between Ghana and Russia.

A primary outcome of the talks is a commitment from President Putin to halt the recruitment of Ghanaian nationals into the conflict in Ukraine. This policy applies to both irregular recruitment schemes and individuals expressing voluntary interest to enlist. The decision follows concerns raised by President Mahama regarding reports that hundreds of Ghanaians had been recruited through fraudulent employment schemes, resulting in casualties and prisoners of war.

Beyond security, the agreements cover several strategic sectors. Russia has expressed readiness to support Ghana’s proposed 2,000-megawatt nuclear power project to bolster energy security. Other commitments include expanded cooperation in agriculture, defense, and education, specifically through increased scholarship opportunities for Ghanaian students. The two nations also agreed to revive the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation to coordinate bilateral relations and monitor joint projects.