President John Dramani Mahama has returned to Ghana after participating in the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow. The summit, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin from October 28 to 29, provided a platform for President Mahama to strengthen economic, energy, and technological relations between Ghana and Russia. During the summit, President Mahama proposed the construction of Ghana's first nuclear power plant.
President Mahama announced that Ghana had begun discussions with Russia's state nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, over the nuclear power plant plans. He also highlighted the historical nuclear partnership between Ghana and Russia, recalling that the Soviet Union supplied Ghana with a research reactor in 1964. This partnership has laid the groundwork for future cooperation in the energy sector.
In addition to nuclear energy cooperation, President Mahama encouraged Russian companies to invest in Ghana's key sectors, including cocoa, cashew, horticulture, mineral processing, and fertiliser production. He proposed that both countries explore using local currencies and digital payment platforms to support legitimate trade and minimise reliance on conventional payment systems. This initiative aims to boost economic ties between the two nations.
President Mahama called for the creation of a Russia-Africa Digital Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Programme to facilitate joint research, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer between universities and businesses. This programme would promote technological advancement and strengthen ties between Ghana, Russia, and other African countries. The President also recognised Russia's historical contribution to Africa's liberation movements.
During his visit, President Mahama attended a Kente cloth exhibition organised by the Russia-Ghana Parliamentary Forum. He emphasised the importance of cultural heritage and symbols in deepening understanding and strengthening relations between countries. The exhibition showcased Ghana's rich cultural heritage and provided an opportunity for cultural exchange between Ghana and Russia.
President Mahama was awarded honorary doctorates by the Russian University of Transport and the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. He welcomed a proposal by the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia to introduce a Russian-African studies programme, promoting academic and cultural cooperation between the two nations. This programme would foster greater understanding and cooperation between Ghana, Russia, and other African countries.
Before departing for Ghana on October 31, President Mahama engaged with members of the Ghanaian community in Moscow, updating them on developments back home and responding to their concerns. The President's visit has strengthened Ghana-Russia relations, with agreements and proposals in place to enhance cooperation in energy, technology, and culture.
Key points
- President Mahama proposes the construction of Ghana's first nuclear power plant with Russia's state nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom.
- President Mahama encourages Russian companies to invest in Ghana's cocoa, cashew, horticulture, mineral processing, and fertiliser production sectors.
- President Mahama calls for a Russia-Africa Digital Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Programme to promote technological advancement and cooperation.
