Ghana is strengthening its nuclear energy ambitions through negotiations with Russia, as President John Dramani Mahama seeks strategic partnerships to address the country’s electricity challenges and accelerate industrial development.
Speaking at the Third Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow on October 29, 2026, Mahama disclosed that Ghana had initiated discussions with Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, on developing the country’s civilian nuclear infrastructure.
The proposed partnership represents a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to diversify its energy mix, secure reliable electricity and position itself as a competitive industrial economy. Mahama identified inadequate power supply as one of the major constraints on Africa’s economic transformation, stressing the importance of dependable electricity for manufacturing, infrastructure development and job creation.
Rosatom Chief Executive Alexei Likhachev confirmed that negotiations were under way on large-scale nuclear power projects with Ghana and other African countries. The Russian corporation has also proposed introducing two or three Floating Nuclear Power Units (FPUs) as an initial option for supplying electricity before the possible development of conventional land-based nuclear facilities.
Beyond energy security, the discussions carry considerable economic and political implications. Ghana is targeting approximately 1,000 megawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2034, but funding constraints have slowed essential site assessments and environmental impact studies. Russian participation could introduce alternative financing arrangements, technical expertise and investment opportunities, although the commercial terms and eventual project structure remain to be established.
The negotiations also reflect Ghana’s strategy of diversifying its international partnerships rather than relying on a single country for its nuclear ambitions. Accra has previously signed framework agreements with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and the US-based Regnum Technology Group. Engagement with Moscow therefore strengthens Ghana’s negotiating position while reinforcing its approach of maintaining economic and diplomatic relations across competing global power blocs.
The initiative also draws on historical cooperation between the two countries. The Soviet Union constructed a two-megawatt research reactor for Ghana in 1964 and supported the training of some of the country’s early nuclear scientists, providing a foundation for renewed collaboration.
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