By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, Nov.01, GNA -President John Dramani Mahama has secured a series of concrete commitments from his Russian counterpart President Vladimir Putin, aimed at transforming Ghana’s energy, security, agricultural, and educational sectors at the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.
A statement issued by Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Russia had agreed to partner with Ghana to establish a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant.
The facility, he said, would guarantee long-term energy security and serve as the anchor for Ghana’s industrialization agenda.
The nuclear initiative, according to Mr Ablakwa, revives the vision of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who commenced preparatory works for nuclear energy development but saw the effort truncated by the coup of February 28, 1966.
“This is a historic moment for our nation. What Osagyefo dreamt of decades ago, we are now bringing to fruition through this strategic partnership with the Russian Federation.” Mr Ablakwa stated.
He noted that in defence, President Mahama and President Putin, agreed on a new defence pact that would see Ghana acquire strategic military assets to strengthen the capacity of the globally respected Ghana Armed Forces.
On the agricultural front, Ghana and Russia would enhance cooperation aimed at boosting grain production and the provision of fertilizers, a move expected to improve food security and support farmers across the country.
Mr Ablakwa also announced that Russia would increase scholarships for Ghanaian students, further deepening educational ties between the two nations.
Ghana currently ranks second among African countries benefiting from Russian scholarship programs.
The Foreign Affairs Minister described the outcomes of the talks as a testament to Ghana’s renewed diplomatic vigor and its commitment to building strategic partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to the Ghanaian people.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei