By James Amoh Junior
Accra, June 21, GNA – Ghana and the Russian Federation have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in key sectors including trade, investment, energy, agriculture, education and technology as both countries marked Russia Day in Accra.
The occasion, hosted by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Ghana, brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders and representatives of the Ghanaian and Russian communities to celebrate Russia’s national day and reflect on the longstanding relations between the two countries.
Ghana and Russia have enjoyed more than six decades of diplomatic relations since formal ties were established shortly after Ghana’s independence.
Over the years, cooperation has expanded from political engagement to include education, healthcare, energy, mining, agriculture and cultural exchanges.
Thousands of Ghanaian students have benefited from scholarships and academic training in Russian institutions, creating lasting people-to-people connections between the two nations.
In recent years, both countries have expressed interest in expanding trade and investment cooperation while exploring opportunities in energy development, food security, technology transfer and industrial growth.
Ms Tatiana Zheliabina, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Russian Federation in Ghana, said Russia Day had assumed renewed significance for Russians as a celebration of the country’s rich history, resilience and sovereignty.
Addressing guests at the reception, she described Russia as a “state-civilisation” with nearly 1,200 years of history, noting that the country had repeatedly overcome existential challenges throughout its development.
She said despite facing unprecedented external pressures and sanctions, Russia had demonstrated remarkable economic resilience and continued to pursue scientific, technological and economic advancement.
“In terms of purchasing power parity, we have taken fourth place among the world’s largest economies, having achieved this during a period of the most severe external pressure,” she stated.
Ms Zheliabina noted that Russia viewed Africa as one of the centres of the emerging multipolar world and regarded the continent as a reliable and long-term partner.
She said cooperation between Russia and African countries, including Ghana, had acquired new momentum in recent years.
The Chargé d’Affaires commended President John Dramani Mahama’s foreign policy approach, which she said reflected Ghana’s longstanding principle of being “a friend to all and an enemy to none,” originally articulated by Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
She expressed confidence that the historic friendship between Ghana and Russia would provide a strong foundation for expanded cooperation in areas such as energy, food security, natural resources, education and humanitarian exchanges.
According to her, preparations were underway for the Third Russia-Africa Summit scheduled for later this year in Moscow, which is expected to bring together representatives from most African Union member states to discuss enhanced cooperation and development partnerships.
The event also introduced Mr Andrei Ordash, Ambassador-designate of the Russian Federation to Ghana, who recently arrived in Accra and is expected to formally assume his duties after presenting his credentials to President Mahama.
Mr Ordash described his posting to Ghana as particularly symbolic, noting the country’s historic role in Africa’s anti-colonial struggle and its longstanding friendship with Russia.
Having begun his diplomatic career in Africa, he said his return to the continent after a 14-year absence carried personal significance.
“Ghana stood at the forefront of the struggle for liberation from colonialism, a country with which Russia has shared decades of friendship,” he said.
The Ambassador-designate praised Africa’s resilience and drew parallels between the historical experiences of Africa and Russia, stressing the importance of enduring friendships and cooperation during challenging times.
Mrs Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, representing the Government of Ghana, congratulated the Government and people of the Russian Federation on the occasion and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
She described Russia Day as an opportunity to celebrate the history, achievements and aspirations of the Russian people while reflecting on values of national unity, patriotism and progress.
Mrs Arthur noted that diplomatic relations between Ghana and Russia dated back to 1958 and had been characterised by mutual respect, solidarity and cooperation across several sectors.
She highlighted education as one of the strongest pillars of the bilateral relationship, acknowledging the role of Russian educational institutions in training generations of Ghanaian professionals who continue to contribute significantly to national development.
“Ghana appreciates the longstanding relations that have existed between our two countries over the decades,” she said, adding that cooperation had spanned education, energy, agriculture, science and technology, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
The Minister reiterated Ghana’s commitment to its foreign policy principle of constructive engagement with all nations based on mutual respect, sovereign equality and the pursuit of common interests.
She emphasised that dialogue, cooperation and multilateral engagement remained critical tools for addressing global challenges and expressed Ghana’s readiness to deepen collaboration with Russia in areas of mutual interest.
These, she said, included trade, investment, energy, agriculture, food security, mining, education, science and technology.
Mrs Arthur welcomed growing Africa-Russia cooperation and said Ghana looked forward to increased engagement through the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum and the upcoming Russia-Africa Summit.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba
Reporter: James Amoh Junior
Email: [email protected]