Mahama returns from Russia-Africa Summit after proposing nuclear power plant, deeper bilateral ties

President John Dramani Mahama has returned to Ghana following his participation in the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, where he advanced proposals to strengthen economic, energy and technological relations between Ghana and Russia.

The summit, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin from October 28 to 29, provided an opportunity for President Mahama to announce that Ghana had begun discussions with Russia's state nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, over plans to construct the country's first nuclear power plant.

He also drew attention to the historical nuclear partnership between the 2 countries, recalling that the Soviet Union supplied Ghana with a research reactor in 1964.

In addition to cooperation in nuclear energy, President Mahama encouraged Russian companies to consider investing in Ghana's cocoa, cashew, horticulture, mineral processing and fertiliser production sectors.

He proposed that both countries explore the use of local currencies and digital payment platforms to support legitimate trade and minimise reliance on conventional payment systems.

On technological advancement, the President called for the creation of a Russia-Africa Digital Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Programme to facilitate joint research, knowledge sharing and technology transfer between universities and businesses.

President Mahama also recognised Russia's historical contribution to Africa's liberation movements, particularly the continent's struggle against colonialism and apartheid.

Reflecting on the relationship between the 2 countries, he cited his own experience as a scholarship student in the former Soviet Union as an example of the longstanding ties between their people.

Addressing international security concerns, he advocated peaceful approaches to resolving global conflicts and welcomed Russia's readiness to restart trilateral negotiations on the Ukraine conflict. He also called for increased international collaboration to tackle terrorism in the Sahel.

Away from the main summit proceedings, President Mahama attended a Kente cloth exhibition organised by the Russia-Ghana Parliamentary Forum. He described cultural heritage and symbols as historical records capable of deepening understanding and strengthening relations between countries.

During the visit, he was also awarded honorary doctorates by the Russian University of Transport and the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN).

He further welcomed a proposal by RUDN to introduce a Russian-African studies programme as part of efforts to promote academic and cultural cooperation.

The President also engaged members of the Ghanaian community in Moscow, updating them on developments back home and responding to their concerns before departing for Ghana on Saturday, October 31.

Source: GNA