Ghana, Russia agree on 2,000MW nuclear power plant as Mahama holds talks with Putin

Ghana and Russia have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including energy, defence, agriculture, education and security, following high-level discussions between President John Dramani Mahama and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The outcomes of the engagement were disclosed by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who described the Russia-Africa Summit engagements as successful.

A major outcome of the discussions is Russia’s agreement to work with Ghana towards establishing a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant to strengthen the country’s energy security and support its industrialisation drive.

The proposed facility also represents a renewed interest in Ghana’s nuclear energy ambitions, which date back to the vision of the country’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who initiated preparatory work on nuclear power development before the 1966 coup.

The two countries have also agreed to pursue a new defence pact aimed at supporting Ghana’s acquisition of strategic military assets to strengthen the capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces.

In agriculture, Ghana and Russia will enhance cooperation in grain production and fertiliser supply, with the broader objective of improving agricultural productivity and strengthening food security.

Education also featured prominently in the discussions, with Russia committing to increase scholarship opportunities for Ghanaian students. According to Mr Ablakwa, Ghana currently ranks second among African countries in terms of student numbers in Russia.

On security, President Mahama reportedly raised concerns about the involvement of Ghanaian nationals in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Following the discussions, President Putin declared that Ghanaians would no longer be allowed to participate in the war, whether through irregular recruitment or voluntary enlistment.

The two countries have further agreed to revive the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC), with Moscow expected to host the next meeting in the coming weeks.

Ghana and Russia have maintained formal diplomatic relations since 1958, with the latest engagements expected to open new avenues for cooperation in strategic sectors.

The outcomes of the meeting signal a renewed push to strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two countries, particularly in areas considered critical to Ghana’s economic transformation, national security and development agenda.