By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, Oct. 29, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has extended an open invitation to Russian businesses and investors to partner with their Ghanaian counterparts across eight strategic sectors of the economy.
Speaking at the Russia-Africa Forum in Moscow, President Mahama emphasised joint ventures, local expertise, and balanced trade between the two nations.
Addressing business leaders and policymakers at the forum, Mahama identified agro-processing, fertilizer production, agricultural machinery, pharmaceuticals, energy, transport infrastructure, and the digital economy as priority areas for Russian-Ghanaian collaboration.
“We seek friendship with all countries and partnerships that advance our development priorities, trade between Africa and Russia has considerable room to grow, both in volume and in the range of goods exchanged,” President Mahama said.
“Our task is to remove the practical barriers that prevent businesses from translating goodwill into lasting commercial relationships.”
He noted that Ghana offers opportunities in cocoa, cashew, shell nuts, horticulture, mineral processing, and manufacturing.
He said Ghana’s institutions and its strategic location on the Gulf of Guinea provide a foundation for investment.
President Mahama said as host of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Ghana was also well placed to support businesses seeking opportunities across the continent.
He said in accordance with the agreements, rules, and implementation arrangements, they invite Russian businesses to work with Ghanaian counterparts in agro-processing, fertilizer production, agricultural machinery, pharmaceuticals, energy, transport infrastructure, and the digital economy.
He noted that joint ventures should build local expertise and create opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses alongside large investors.
He said they must also improve access for African products to enter Russian markets, adding that better market information, predictable standards, stronger logistics, and closer cooperation between their business communities could make trade more balanced and more rewarding for both sides.
The President said to create a more seamless environment for trade and investment, they must find appropriate mechanisms for making legitimate trade settlements that include the use of their local currencies and other digital payment systems.
He said their central banks, commercial banks, and fintech companies had an important role in this regard.
In achieving this objective, they must consider all alternatives.
President Mahama said another area for cooperation was in the area of agriculture and food security; saying “Russia’s experience in fertilizer production, agricultural machinery, and scientific research provides a good scope for useful cooperation”.
He reiterated that reliable supplies of fertilizers at competitive prices would help our farmers plant with greater confidence.
President Mahama said investment in local production and blending would also strengthen resilience.
He noted that they also see opportunities in soil mapping, precision agriculture, and the use of satellite information to guide planting and input applications.
President Mahama said technology becomes valuable when it helps a farmer make better decisions, lowers his costs, and protects his harvest.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei