Mahama Announces Talks with Russia Over Ghana’s First Nuclear Power Station

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana has begun discussions with Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, over the establishment of the country’s first nuclear power station.

The announcement was made on Thursday, October 29, during the Third Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, where Mahama highlighted the importance of reliable and affordable electricity in supporting industrialisation and economic development across Africa.

The proposed partnership forms part of Ghana’s broader strategy to diversify its energy sources by combining nuclear power with renewable energy to meet the country’s growing electricity needs.

Mahama said Ghana was pursuing a diversified energy mix while laying the groundwork for the peaceful use of nuclear technology. He indicated that Russia’s experience in nuclear energy could provide opportunities for cooperation as Ghana seeks to strengthen its electricity supply and expand industrial production.

Ghana looks to nuclear power to support industrialisation

The President has repeatedly emphasised that Ghana’s industrial ambitions, particularly the processing and refining of minerals such as gold, bauxite and manganese, will require a dependable supply of electricity.

Moving beyond the export of raw materials towards local processing could increase demand for power. Nuclear energy is being considered as one potential source to support this transition, alongside solar and other renewable technologies.

A nuclear power station could eventually contribute to the country’s long-term electricity supply. However, the latest announcement concerns discussions with Rosatom and does not establish that a construction contract has been signed or that a final project timetable has been agreed.

Ghana and Russia have a history of nuclear cooperation

Mahama also recalled the longstanding nuclear relationship between Ghana and Russia, dating back to 1964, when the Soviet Union supplied Ghana with a two-megawatt nuclear reactor for scientific research.

He noted that Ghanaian nuclear scientists had also received training in Russia to operate the research reactor, highlighting an existing foundation for technical cooperation between the two countries.

Suggested image caption: An artist’s impression of a proposed nuclear power facility in Ghana. Image for illustration; it does not represent a confirmed construction site or final plant design.

Financing, technology and implementation remain key questions

Although the discussions could open a new chapter in Ghana–Russia energy relations, several important issues remain to be clarified before the project can move forward.

These include the cost of construction, financing arrangements, the choice of reactor technology, regulatory approval, nuclear safety requirements, radioactive waste management and the development of a skilled local workforce.

Ghana will also need to determine how a potential Russian partnership would fit into its wider nuclear power programme and existing international cooperation.

The discussions therefore represent an important development in Ghana’s nuclear ambitions, but further technical, financial and regulatory decisions will be necessary before a plant can be built.

Mahama seeks broader economic cooperation

Beyond nuclear energy, the President used the Russia–Africa Summit to encourage stronger economic relations between Ghana and Russia.

He identified opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, agro-processing, fertiliser production, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, transport infrastructure and digital technology. He also called for measures to improve trade and facilitate legitimate transactions using local currencies and digital payment systems.

Ghana’s engagement with Russia reflects its search for partnerships that can support energy security, industrial development and economic diversification. Whether the nuclear discussions translate into a concrete project will depend on the outcome of negotiations and the arrangements ultimately agreed by both sides.