Mahama secures six commitments in nuclear energy, agric, and other areas from Putin after Russia-Africa Summit

President John Dramani Mahama has secured six commitments from Russian President Vladimir Putin after meetings during the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, according to Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. The agreements cover energy, defence, agriculture, education, and security cooperation between Ghana and Russia.

A report by Ablakwa highlights that Russia committed to collaborating with Ghana on building a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant to bolster energy security and drive industrialization. This project taps into Ghana's historical interest in nuclear energy, initiated by the first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who initiated preparatory work for a nuclear research facility prior to the 1966 coup.

Mahama also secured an enhanced defense cooperation deal to assist Ghana in acquiring strategic military equipment to bolster the Ghana Armed Forces. In the agricultural sector, both nations aim to boost grain production and enhance access to fertilizers to strengthen food security in Ghana. Russia agreed to expand scholarship opportunities for Ghanaian students, a move that sees Ghana ranked second in Africa for the highest number of students pursuing education in Russia.

President Putin also declared that Ghanaians would no longer be able to participate in conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, whether through irregular recruitment or voluntary enlistment. Additionally, the two countries agreed to reestablish the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC), with Russia planning to host the next meeting in the near future.

Diplomatic ties between Ghana and Russia have existed since 1958, and both nations have pursued cooperative initiatives across various sectors. The recent summit is a continuation of efforts to reinforce this enduring relationship and broaden areas of shared economic and strategic interest.