Mahama Opens Nuclear Power Talks With Russia as Ghana Moves Towards First-Ever Nuclear Plant

According to a report by MyNewsGh, on Friday October 30, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana has commenced discussions with Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, towards establishing the country’s first nuclear power plant, in what could become a major development in Ghana’s long-term energy and industrialisation agenda.

The announcement signals a renewed commitment by the Mahama administration to diversify the country’s energy sources and explore nuclear power as a reliable alternative to meet the growing electricity demands of the economy.

President Mahama disclosed the development while addressing the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, which was chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Speaking before African leaders and Russian officials, the Ghanaian leader explained that access to dependable and affordable electricity was essential for economic transformation, particularly as Ghana seeks to expand its industrial base and increase local processing of natural resources.

He noted that industrialisation could not be achieved without a stable energy supply, stressing that the country was pursuing a broader energy strategy that combines renewable sources with the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

“Industrialisation requires reliable and affordable electricity, and so Ghana is pursuing a diversified energy mix, including renewables, while advancing the foundations for the peaceful use of nuclear energy,” President Mahama stated.

He subsequently confirmed that discussions had officially begun with Rosatom over the proposed nuclear power project.

“We have initiated discussions with Rosatom on the establishment of Ghana’s first nuclear power station,” he added.

The proposed partnership is expected to open another chapter in Ghana-Russia relations, particularly in the areas of energy technology, scientific cooperation and infrastructure development.

President Mahama believes Russia’s experience in nuclear power development could provide Ghana with an opportunity to strengthen its electricity generation capacity while preparing the country for its industrialisation ambitions.

Ghana’s Historical Relationship With Russia in Nuclear Technology

During his address, President Mahama also highlighted the historical relationship between Ghana and Russia in the area of nuclear science, recalling that cooperation between the two countries dates back several decades.

He reminded the gathering that the former Soviet Union supplied Ghana with a two-megawatt nuclear research reactor in 1964.

The facility was intended for scientific research and represented an important step in Ghana’s early efforts to develop expertise in nuclear science and technology.

According to the President, several Ghanaian nuclear scientists received specialised training in Russia to acquire the technical knowledge required to operate and maintain the research reactor.

He suggested that the historical relationship provides a foundation upon which both countries can build stronger cooperation in the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Industrialisation Driving Ghana’s Nuclear Ambitions

Ghana’s renewed interest in nuclear power is closely connected to the government’s ambition to move away from exporting raw materials towards processing more of its natural resources locally.

President Mahama has repeatedly argued that the country’s mineral wealth, particularly gold, bauxite and manganese, presents significant opportunities for industrial development.

However, he believes that achieving meaningful value addition will require a substantial and dependable supply of electricity.

Processing and refining minerals locally demand considerable energy, and the government is therefore exploring alternative sources capable of supporting large-scale industrial operations.

During an earlier engagement with students at the Russian University of Transport in Moscow, the President explained that nuclear energy was among the options being considered to strengthen Ghana’s electricity mix.

He maintained that his administration’s ultimate objective was to translate improvements in the economy into employment opportunities and better living conditions for young people.

Russia-Africa Cooperation Beyond Nuclear Energy

Apart from the proposed nuclear power project, President Mahama used the summit to encourage stronger economic and commercial partnerships between Russia and African countries.

He identified agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, agro-processing, transport infrastructure and digital technology as important sectors where Ghana could benefit from increased Russian investment.

He also encouraged Russian businesses to collaborate with Ghanaian companies in areas such as fertiliser production, agricultural machinery, pharmaceutical manufacturing and technological development.

The President further called for practical measures to increase trade between Africa and Russia, arguing that existing economic relationships should produce more tangible benefits for businesses and ordinary citizens.

He proposed exploring arrangements that would allow legitimate trade transactions to be settled using local currencies and digital payment systems.

According to him, central banks, commercial banks and financial technology companies could play significant roles in developing payment mechanisms that make international trade easier and more efficient.

Important Details About the Proposed Nuclear Project

Although the announcement has generated interest in Ghana’s energy future, the discussions with Rosatom remain at an early stage.

The initiation of negotiations does not mean that a final construction agreement has been signed or that work on the proposed facility is about to begin.

Several important considerations, including financing arrangements, technical requirements, regulatory approvals, nuclear safety standards and the training of local specialists, will have to be addressed before the project can progress to construction.

Ghana has been pursuing a nuclear power programme for several years, with successive administrations exploring international partnerships and working towards establishing the necessary regulatory and technical structures.

The country’s nuclear programme has also received support from the International Atomic Energy Agency as part of efforts to meet international requirements for the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology.

Consequently, the latest engagement with Russia represents another significant step in Ghana’s search for an international partner capable of supporting its nuclear energy ambitions.

If successfully negotiated and implemented, the proposed project could help strengthen Ghana’s electricity supply, support industrial expansion and create new opportunities for scientific research and technological development.

For now, attention will be focused on the outcome of the discussions between the Mahama administration and Rosatom, as Ghanaians await further details about the proposed partnership and the possible timeline for establishing the country’s first nuclear power station.

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