As part of his official visit to Moscow, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, held a meeting with representatives of the Ghanaian diaspora in Russia. At the Minister’s request, the meeting was held at the office of the Center for Public Diplomacy.
Preparations for the Russia-Africa Summit
Mr Ablakwa’s visit to Russia is connected, among other things, with preparations for the upcoming third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled to take place in Moscow on October 28 and 29, 2026, and discussions on Ghana’s participation in the event.
During the trip, the Minister also met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in talks held on August 17, 2026, where the two discussed the development of bilateral relations, including trade, investment, and cooperation in energy, agriculture, geological exploration, and mineral development. The visit also produced a landmark visa waiver agreement for holders of Ghanaian and Russian diplomatic and service passports, the first such arrangement since the two countries established formal diplomatic relations in 1958.
Engaging the Diaspora
The meeting with the Ghanaian community was of particular importance, providing an opportunity to directly discuss issues concerning the lives and well-being of the diaspora, as well as its interaction with Russian society.
During the event, the Minister noted that President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama attaches particular importance to relations with Russia and advocates bringing bilateral cooperation to a new level. He recalled that since Ghana gained independence, the Soviet Union supported the Ghanaian people, contributing to the development of the national economy, human resources, and key industries a relationship that took root during the administration of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. Mr Ablakwa said Russia remains committed to strengthening friendly and mutually beneficial relations with Ghana, as well as to developing political dialogue and trade, economic, and humanitarian cooperation.
A Gesture of Appreciation
In addition, during the meeting, Mrs Caroline Coma Jehu-Appiah, wife of the Ambassador of Ghana to Russia, presented the Center for Public Diplomacy with a painting as a token of appreciation for its support of the Ghanaian diaspora and its close cooperation with the Embassy.
According to the Center, the gesture reflected the value of the space it has created: a platform where representatives of African countries can meet with their compatriots and engage in direct and open dialogue.
Context
The diaspora meeting comes amid heightened diplomatic engagement between Accra and Moscow, with Mr Ablakwa’s visit also touching on the sensitive issue of Ghanaian nationals recruited into Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Ghana has disclosed that 62 of its citizens have died and 15 remain missing after being drawn into the conflict, and the Minister used his Moscow talks to press for cooperation in ending the illegal recruitment of Ghanaian youth.
Mustapha Bature Sallama medical Science communicator, Private Investigator, Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Analysis,United States Institute of Peace (USIP), [email protected] +233555275880
References
Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s talks with Foreign Minister of Ghana Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa” https://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2026/08/russia-260817-russia-mfa01.htm
Graphic Online, “Ghana, Russia sign visa waiver agreement for diplomatic, service passport holders” https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-russia-sign-visa-waiver-deal-for-diplomatic-service-passport-holders.html
West Africa Weekly, “Ghana and Russia Sign First Visa Waiver Agreement Since Bilateral Relations Began in 1958” https://westafricaweekly.com/ghana-and-russia-sign-first-visa-waiver-agreement-since-bilateral-relations-began-in-1958/
Adomonline, “62 Ghanaians killed in Russia-Ukraine war, 15 remain missing Ablakwa”
