Ghana and Russia agree on new defence pact as Mahama secures 6 major deals with Putin

Ghana and Russia have agreed to establish a new defence partnership that will see Moscow support the Ghana Armed Forces with strategic military assets, following high-level talks between President John Dramani Mahama and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The agreement forms part of six major commitments secured by Ghana during President Mahama's engagements with Putin at the Russia-Africa Summit.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the agreements on Saturday, October 31, 2026, describing the outcome of the summit as a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

According to Ablakwa, the discussions took place during a meeting between Mahama and Putin on Friday, October 30, where the Ghanaian president also raised concerns about the recruitment of Ghanaian nationals to participate in Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine.

Ghana, Russia agree on six major areas of cooperation.

In a statement outlining the outcomes of the discussions, Ablakwa disclosed that the two countries had reached agreements covering defence, energy, agriculture, education and diplomatic cooperation.

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A major highlight is Russia's commitment to work with Ghana towards establishing a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant to strengthen the country's energy security and support industrial development.

The Foreign Affairs Minister said the proposed project would revive Ghana's long-standing nuclear energy ambitions associated with the vision of the country's first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

Nkrumah initiated preparatory work towards nuclear power development, but the project was discontinued following the February 24, 1966 coup that removed him from office.

On defence cooperation, Russia has agreed to support Ghana in acquiring strategic military assets for the Ghana Armed Forces as part of a new defence pact.

The two countries will also deepen agricultural cooperation, with particular emphasis on increasing grain production and improving access to fertilisers to strengthen food security.

Russia to increase scholarships for Ghanaian students

Education also featured prominently in the agreements, with Russia committing to increase scholarship opportunities for Ghanaian students.

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Ablakwa noted that Ghana currently ranks second among African countries in terms of the number of students studying in Russia.

The expanded scholarship arrangement is expected to create additional opportunities for Ghanaian students seeking higher education in Russian institutions.

Putin addresses concerns over Ghanaians recruited to fight in Ukraine

One of the most significant outcomes of the meeting was an agreement concerning the participation of Ghanaians in the Russia-Ukraine war.

According to Ablakwa, Mahama raised concerns about the recruitment of Ghanaian nationals to fight in the conflict during his direct engagement with Putin.

Following the discussions, the Russian president declared that Ghanaians would no longer be permitted to participate in the war.

The Foreign Affairs Minister explained that the position would apply regardless of the circumstances, including irregular recruitment arrangements and voluntary expressions of interest.

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The development comes amid concerns about Ghanaian nationals being drawn into the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Ghana and Russia to revive bilateral cooperation commission

The two countries have also agreed to revive their Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC), an arrangement intended to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations.

Ablakwa disclosed that Moscow was prepared to host the next meeting of the commission in the coming weeks.

Ghana and Russia have maintained formal diplomatic relations since 1958, with both countries continuing to explore opportunities for cooperation across various sectors.

The latest agreements are expected to provide a framework for expanding their relationship, particularly in defence, energy, agriculture and education.

Ablakwa described the outcomes of the Russia-Africa Summit as successful, highlighting the commitments secured through Mahama's direct engagement with Putin.