President Mahama convinces Russian President Putin to resume Ukraine talks

President John Dramani Mahama has called for peaceful solutions to global conflicts while commending Russian President Vladimir Putin for his readiness to resume trilateral talks on the war involving Russia and Ukraine.

Addressing the Third Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, chaired by Mr Putin, President Mahama expressed support for renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at securing lasting peace between the two countries.

"We appreciate your willingness to resume trilateral talks in respect of the conflict with Ukraine and your call for a lasting peace agreement and security for both Russia and Ukraine," he said.

President Mahama observed that conflicts across the world had resulted in loss of lives, human suffering and significant disruptions to global logistics and value chains.

He also called for stronger international cooperation to combat terrorism, particularly within the Alliance of Sahelian States.

Mahama pitches Ghana to Russian investors

The President invited Russian businesses to explore partnerships with Ghanaian companies in several sectors, including agro-processing, fertiliser production, agricultural machinery, pharmaceuticals, energy, transport infrastructure and the digital economy.

He identified opportunities in cocoa, cashew, shea nuts, horticulture, mineral processing and manufacturing, noting that Ghana’s role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat positioned the country as a potential gateway for investors seeking to expand across Africa.

Reaffirming Ghana’s non-aligned foreign policy, President Mahama said the country remained open to partnerships that support its development goals.

"We seek friendship with all countries and partnerships that advance our development priorities."

He said trade between Africa and Russia had significant potential for growth and urged the two sides to establish "appropriate mechanisms" for settling legitimate trade transactions, including the use of local currencies and digital payment systems.

President highlights nuclear energy, agriculture and artificial intelligence

President Mahama identified inadequate electricity supply as a major constraint on Africa’s development and said Russia had a comparative advantage in renewable and nuclear energy.

He disclosed that Ghana had begun discussions with Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom on plans to establish the country’s first nuclear power station.

Recalling the historical relationship between Ghana and Russia, he said the Soviet Union supplied Ghana with a 2-megawatt research reactor in 1964, while Ghanaian scientists received training in Russia to operate the facility.

On agriculture and food security, the President called for dependable supplies of competitively priced fertiliser, investment in local fertiliser production and blending, and cooperation in soil mapping, precision agriculture and satellite-guided farming.

He also expressed Ghana’s readiness to explore a Russia–Africa Digital Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Programme involving universities, research institutions, businesses and public agencies.

Mahama acknowledges Russia’s historical support for Africa

President Mahama expressed gratitude to Russia for its support for African countries during the struggles against colonialism and apartheid, as well as its contribution to educating thousands of African students.

He cited his personal experience as an example of the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Russia.

"I am myself a symbol of the friendship of the Russian people, having had the opportunity to study here in Moscow on a full scholarship between the years 1986 and 1988," he said.

With Ghana preparing to mark 70 years of independence in 2027, the President acknowledged Russia’s role in supporting Africa’s decolonisation efforts.

He urged participants at the summit to translate their discussions into practical outcomes that would improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

President Mahama called on delegates to leave the gathering with "a clear commitment to action", stressing that "the most lasting expression of our friendship will be the progress our people can see in their communities and their lives."