Here Are Concrete Commitments Secured after Mahama-Putin Engagement

Ghana has secured six concrete commitments from Russia following direct talks between President John Dramani Mahama and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the just-ended Russia-Africa Summit held in Russia.

According to a statement issued after the summit, the commitments cover energy, defence, agriculture, education and bilateral cooperation.

On energy security, Russia has agreed to work with Ghana to establish a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant to guarantee energy security and anchor industrialisation.

The statement described the project as a revival of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s vision, for which he had commenced preparatory works before it was truncated by the coup of February 28, 1966.

On defence, Ghana and Russia have agreed to a new defence pact to acquire strategic military assets for the Ghana Armed Forces.

In the area of agriculture, both countries will enhance cooperation aimed at boosting grain production and the provision of fertilisers.

On education, Russia will increase scholarships for Ghanaian students. The statement noted that Ghana now ranks second as the African nation with the highest number of students in Russia.

On security and welfare of Ghanaians, the statement said that, following concerns raised by President Mahama, President Putin has declared that Ghanaians are no longer allowed to participate in the war with Ukraine.

It added that the policy applies to all circumstances, whether through irregular recruitment or expression of voluntary interest.

Finally, Ghana and Russia will revive the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC), with Moscow ready to host the Commission in the next few weeks.

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