Ghana has started discussions with Russia's state nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, to establish the country's first nuclear power station. This announcement was made by President John Dramani Mahama during the Third Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow. The summit, chaired by President Vladimir Putin, brought together African leaders and Russian officials. President Mahama emphasized Ghana's pursuit of a diversified energy mix, including renewables and nuclear energy.
President Mahama recalled that the Soviet Union had provided Ghana with a two-megawatt nuclear reactor for research purposes in 1964. He highlighted the significance of this historical cooperation and expressed Ghana's interest in advancing its nuclear energy capabilities. The President's disclosure on nuclear cooperation was a key element of his speech, which also focused on trade, agriculture, and digital innovation.
During the summit, President Mahama invited Russian businesses to partner with Ghanaian counterparts in various sectors, including agro-processing, fertiliser production, pharmaceuticals, and transport infrastructure. He emphasized the opportunities available in Ghana, particularly in cocoa, cashew, horticulture, and mineral processing. As the host of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, Ghana is well-positioned to support businesses seeking continent-wide access.
President Mahama called for mechanisms to facilitate legitimate trade settlements using local currencies and digital payment systems. He stressed that central banks, commercial banks, and fintech companies have a crucial role to play in this regard. The President noted that while trade between Africa and Russia has room for growth, practical barriers must be removed to translate goodwill into lasting commercial relationships.
President Mahama, who studied in Moscow on a full scholarship between 1986 and 1988, described himself as "a symbol of the friendship of the Russian people." He expressed gratitude to President Putin and the Russian people for their historical solidarity with Africa during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid. Next year, Ghana will celebrate 70 years of independence as the first sub-Saharan African country to break free from colonial domination.
On global security, President Mahama called for an amicable resolution of conflicts around the world and expressed appreciation for Russia's willingness to resume trilateral talks on the Ukraine conflict. He also emphasized the need for international cooperation in the fight against terrorism, particularly in the territories of the Alliance of Sahelian States.
As the summit concluded, President Mahama urged delegates to leave with a clear commitment to action. He emphasized that the most lasting expression of friendship between Ghana and Russia would be the progress their people can see in their communities and lives. The President's speech highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between Africa and Russia in various sectors.
Key points
- Ghana initiates talks with Rosatom for its first nuclear power station.
- President Mahama calls for local currency trade and digital payment systems.
- Ghana and Russia explore partnerships in agro-processing, fertiliser production, and transport infrastructure.
