Russia and African countries have identified energy cooperation as a crucial factor for Africa’s economic development, as outlined during the Russia-Africa summits in Sochi (2019) and St. Petersburg (2023). The Russian State Duma has expressed readiness to support infrastructure development and financing mechanisms for energy projects in Ghana. After years of bilateral discussions, Russia and Ghana have reached an agreement to construct nuclear power plants, marking a significant step forward in their energy partnership, with potential for broader economic collaboration.
Ghana’s nuclear energy journey began in the 1960s with support from the Soviet Union but was halted by a 1966 coup. Today, Ghana is progressing in Phase 2 of its nuclear power development under IAEA guidance, having identified two potential sites for its first plant and planning to select a vendor by the end of 2024.On May 21, 2025, a Ghanaian parliamentary delegation, led by Energy Committee Chairman Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, met with Russian officials at the State Duma to discuss revitalizing Ghana’s energy sector. The talks, involving Russian Energy Committee Chairman Nikolay Shulginov and other officials, focused on nuclear energy, energy supply, scientific cooperation, and the development of Ghana’s hydrocarbon and mineral resources.
Energy cooperation was reaffirmed as a strategic priority, building on the outcomes of the Russia-Africa summits (2019, 2023) and a 2023 Intergovernmental Commission meeting. A Memorandum of Cooperation between the Russian and Ghanaian energy ministries outlines infrastructure challenges and includes a roadmap for public-private collaboration in nuclear plant construction.Russia highlighted its capabilities in nuclear, hydro, wind, and solar energy, as well as its readiness to train Ghanaian specialists. Officials also discussed Russia’s potential provision of high-power and floating low-power reactors. Both sides emphasized the value of inter-parliamentary collaboration and agreed to strengthen ties amid global tensions.
