Russia–Africa Summit – Ghana must count the cost of a deeper partnership

The ongoing Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow underscores the need for Accra to carefully consider the implications of deepening its partnership with Russia. While Moscow is offering Ghana opportunities in trade, investment, and security cooperation, Accra must guard against opaque deals and resource dependence. Recorded bilateral merchandise trade between Ghana and Russia in 2025 amounted to US$506.5 million, with Ghana importing nearly double the value of its exports.

This US$416.8 million deficit raises concerns about whether Ghana is building a productive relationship or one that risks entrenching its position as a buyer of foreign goods. The summit should be approached with commercial discipline, not diplomatic enthusiasm alone. Russia’s trade with Africa reached US$27.7 billion in 2025, with Moscow seeking to expand its footprint in agriculture, fertilizer, energy, mining, manufacturing, and technology.

While Ghana may benefit from these opportunities, the current structure of bilateral trade shows a relationship where Ghana’s exports remain comparatively small. Concerns also arise regarding data discrepancies in reported trade figures, and the potential for opaque commercial agreements intersecting with security assistance. Past examples from the Central African Republic and Mali highlight the importance of clearly defining the terms of any partnership to ensure that security and business interests serve the public interest.