Mahama receives honorary doctorate from Russian University of transport

President John Dramani Mahama has received an honorary doctorate from the Russian University of Transport in Moscow, with the institution recognising his leadership and contributions to national development, particularly in infrastructure and education.

The conferment ceremony took place at the university’s grand auditorium on October 27, 2026, in the presence of members of the academic senate, Ghanaian officials, students and members of the diplomatic corps.

In its citation, the university’s academic council commended Mahama for his leadership and commitment to development, noting that his policies aligned with the institution’s belief in using knowledge to improve society.

The honour also provided an opportunity for the Ghanaian President to outline his administration’s infrastructure priorities, call for stronger educational partnerships and discuss opportunities to deepen cooperation between Ghana and Russia.

Mahama highlights transport infrastructure as a driver of development.

In his acceptance speech, Mahama expressed gratitude to the university and dedicated the recognition to the people of Ghana.

“I bring you the greetings and friendship of the government and people of Ghana, with whom I share this honour,” he said.

The President highlighted the importance of transport infrastructure in supporting economic growth, explaining how efficient transport networks connect farmers to markets, improve access to education and employment, and help businesses move goods between production centres and consumers.

Also readGhanaian twin brothers plead guilty in $9m US romance scam

He also outlined Ghana’s infrastructure ambitions, including plans for a new port at Tema, the reconstruction of major roads, airport expansion and continued development of the railway network.

Mahama further disclosed that efforts were underway to rebuild Ghana’s national airline, expressing hope that it would resume operations before the end of his tenure.

“Even as I speak, we are working on rebuilding our cherished national airline. It is my hope that before I leave office, we will have it back in the air,” he said.

The president calls for stronger Ghana-Russia educational ties.

Mahama urged Ghanaian universities and technical institutions to deepen their partnerships with the Russian University of Transport, identifying several areas for possible cooperation.

These include transport engineering, railway development, logistics, road safety and the use of technology in traffic management.

“I am happy to hear that the Russian University of Transport has links with Ghanaian science and technology institutions and technical universities. There is scope for collaboration in transport engineering, railway development, logistics, road safety, and the application of technology to transport and traffic management,” he said.

The president also expressed hope that his visit would encourage more Ghanaian students to pursue their studies at the Russian institution. He noted that only one Ghanaian student was currently enrolled there.

Reflecting on his own educational experience in Russia, Mahama highlighted the long-standing benefits of academic exchanges between the two countries.

Also readMoH opens a recruitment portal for doctors and dentists - Here is how to apply

“Generations of Ghanaians have benefited from studying in Russia, including myself. While in Russia, we acquired professional skills while building friendships that have endured beyond our years at university,” he said.

Mahama discusses jobs, industrialisation and energy security

Before the honorary doctorate ceremony, the President participated in an open dialogue with students, addressing questions about Ghana’s economic future, industrialisation, energy security and relations with Russia.

Asked about his vision for Ghana, Mahama emphasised the need to translate macroeconomic progress into employment and opportunities for young people.

“My dream is to translate the macroeconomic success into jobs and opportunities for the young people. How we set the stage for the country to industrialise. That's my dream,” he said.

On energy security, the President disclosed that Ghana was considering alternative energy sources, including nuclear power, to support its industrialisation ambitions.

He pointed to Russia’s technological expertise as a potential avenue for cooperation, particularly as Ghana seeks to process more of its natural resources locally.

“We are looking at alternative energy sources. That is why we are looking at nuclear, adding nuclear energy to the mix. I know that Russia has advanced technology in some of these things, so we will work with that,” he said.

Mahama noted that value addition to Ghana’s gold, bauxite and manganese resources would require substantial and reliable energy supplies.

Also readFull list of NDC constituency executives elected across Ghana

The Russia-Africa Summit is expected to strengthen cooperation.

The President also expressed optimism about the Russia-Africa Summit and bilateral engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying the discussions could create opportunities for investment and expanded cooperation.

“I believe that meeting will open new areas of cooperation. I am sure that after the meeting, it will draw us closer in terms of investments,” Mahama said.

His remarks underscored Ghana’s interest in strengthening economic and diplomatic relations with Russia while exploring opportunities in infrastructure, education, energy and industrial development.

Ghana and Russia seek to deepen longstanding relations.

Mahama’s visit forms part of broader efforts to strengthen ties between Ghana and Russia, which have maintained longstanding cooperation in education and professional training.

Over several decades, Ghanaian students and professionals have studied at Soviet and Russian institutions, contributing to the development of skills and relationships between the two countries.

The president called for renewed academic exchanges and research partnerships, arguing that universities can help foster mutual understanding and peaceful cooperation.

He said sustained interaction between academic institutions allows people to share experiences, challenge assumptions and learn from different perspectives.

The honorary doctorate therefore served not only as recognition of Mahama’s leadership but also as a platform to highlight potential areas of collaboration between Ghana and Russia.