President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana returned home on Saturday, October 31, after participating in the Third Russia-Africa Summit held in Moscow from October 28 to 29. The summit was hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. During his visit, President Mahama discussed Ghana's cooperation vision with Russia, focusing on various areas of mutual interest.
At the summit, President Mahama highlighted Ghana's initiatives to collaborate with Russia's Rosatom on building the country's first nuclear power plant. He recalled the historical ties between Ghana and the Soviet Union, which provided Ghana with a research reactor as early as 1964. This move is expected to strengthen Ghana's energy sector and enhance its development.
President Mahama also invited Russian enterprises to invest in Ghana's key sectors, including cocoa, cashew, horticulture, mineral processing, and fertiliser production. He proposed exploring the settlement of legitimate trade using local currencies and digital payment systems to reduce dependence on traditional payment systems. This initiative aims to boost economic cooperation between Ghana and Russia.
Furthermore, President Mahama suggested establishing a "Russia-Africa Digital Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Program" to promote joint research and technology transfer between universities and enterprises of both sides. He expressed gratitude for Russia's support of Africa during the anti-colonial struggle and apartheid period, citing his own experience as a scholarship student in the Soviet Union.
On international security, President Mahama called for an amicable resolution of global conflicts and expressed appreciation for Russia's willingness to resume trilateral talks on the Ukraine issue. He also urged international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel region. These discussions reflect Ghana's commitment to global peace and security.
During his visit, President Mahama attended a Kente cloth exhibition organised by the Russia-Ghana Parliamentary Forum, highlighting the importance of cultural symbols in strengthening bilateral relations. He also received two honorary doctorates from the Russian University of Transport and Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN). Additionally, he welcomed RUDN's proposal to establish a Russian-African studies programme.
On the sidelines of the Summit, President Mahama engaged with the Ghanaian community in Moscow, briefing them on recent developments in Ghana and responding to their questions. With his return to Ghana, President Mahama is expected to implement the agreements and initiatives discussed during the summit, further enhancing Ghana's relations with Russia.
Key points
- President Mahama participated in the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.
- He discussed cooperation in energy, trade, and technology with Russian leaders.
- President Mahama invited Russian investment in Ghana's key sectors.
