President Mahama back home after Russia-Africa Summit

President returns from Moscow after high-level talks with Vladimir Putin, with commitments covering nuclear energy, defence, agriculture, education and security.

President John Dramani Mahama has returned to Ghana after participating in the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, Russia, where he pursued stronger economic, diplomatic and security cooperation between the two countries.

The President arrived home on Saturday, October 31, 2026, following the summit held from October 28 to 29 and hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During the visit, President Mahama outlined Ghana’s priorities for cooperation with Russia, including investment in key economic sectors, energy development, technology transfer and efforts to address international security challenges.

Nuclear energy and investment opportunities

One of the major issues discussed was Ghana’s ambition to develop its nuclear energy capacity. President Mahama disclosed that Ghana had initiated discussions with Russia’s state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, on establishing the country’s first nuclear power plant.

He recalled that the Soviet Union had provided Ghana with a research reactor as far back as 1964, highlighting the longstanding scientific and technical relationship between the two countries.

The President also invited Russian businesses to explore investment opportunities in Ghana’s cocoa, cashew, horticulture, mineral processing and fertiliser production sectors.

He proposed exploring the use of local currencies and digital payment systems to settle legitimate trade transactions, potentially reducing dependence on traditional international payment arrangements.

Digital innovation and education

President Mahama further suggested establishing a Russia-Africa Digital Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Programme to encourage joint research, technological advancement and knowledge transfer between universities and businesses.

During the visit, he received honorary doctorate degrees from the Russian University of Transport and the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia.

He also welcomed a proposal by the latter institution to establish a Russian-African studies programme, which could strengthen academic collaboration and understanding between Russia and African countries.

Peace and security discussions

On international affairs, President Mahama called for peaceful resolutions to global conflicts and welcomed Russia’s willingness to resume trilateral discussions on the Ukraine conflict.

He also urged greater international cooperation in combating terrorism in the Sahel region, emphasising the importance of collective action against security threats affecting West Africa.

The President’s engagements also included a meeting with members of the Ghanaian community in Moscow, where he briefed them on developments at home and responded to their concerns.

His return concludes a visit focused on strengthening Ghana-Russia relations through economic partnerships, education, technological cooperation and diplomatic engagement.