Prez Mahama Announces Talks With Russia On Ghana’s First Nuclear Power Plant
President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that Ghana is in talks with Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy company, Rosatom, over plans to establish the country’s first nuclear power plant.
He made the announcement on Thursday during his address at the Third Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, where he also urged African countries and Russia to consider using local currencies and digital payment platforms for legitimate trade transactions.
Addressing African leaders and Russian officials at the summit, chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Mahama said Ghana was pursuing different sources of energy, including renewable power, while preparing for the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
“We have initiated discussions with Rosatom on the establishment of Ghana’s first nuclear power station,” he said.
He recalled that the Soviet Union had supplied Ghana with a two-megawatt nuclear reactor in 1964 for research purposes.
Beyond energy cooperation, President Mahama encouraged Russian companies to explore investment opportunities in Ghana, particularly in agro-processing, fertiliser manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and transport infrastructure.
On trade, the President called for practical arrangements that would make transactions between African countries and Russia easier, including payments in their respective currencies and through digital systems.
“To create a more seamless environment for trade and investment, we must find appropriate mechanisms for making legitimate trade settlements that include the use of our local currencies and other digital payment systems,” he said, adding that central banks, commercial banks and fintech companies have a key role to play.
He noted that trade between Africa and Russia could expand further if existing obstacles were addressed. He identified cocoa, cashew, horticulture and mineral processing as areas where Ghana could offer business opportunities.
President Mahama also pointed to Ghana’s role as host of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying the country was well positioned to serve businesses seeking access to markets across the continent.
Reflecting on the historical relationship between Ghana and Russia, President Mahama referred to his time studying in Moscow on a full scholarship from 1986 to 1988. He described himself as “a symbol of the friendship of the Russian people” and expressed gratitude to President Putin and the Russian people for their support for Africa during the struggles against colonialism and apartheid.
Ghana will mark 70 years of independence next year, having become the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957. President Mahama acknowledged Russia’s historical contribution to the continent’s decolonisation efforts.
On international security, he called for peaceful settlements to conflicts around the world and welcomed Russia’s willingness to resume trilateral discussions on the war in Ukraine.
He further urged stronger international cooperation to combat terrorism, particularly in areas affected by insecurity within the Alliance of Sahel States.
As the summit continued into its second day, President Mahama urged participants to turn their discussions into practical outcomes that would improve the lives of their citizens.
“The most lasting expression of our friendship will be the progress our people can see in their communities and their lives,” he said.
