John Dramani Mahama commends Vladimir Putin for readiness for Ukraine talks

President John Dramani Mahama has welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s expressed willingness to return to trilateral discussions regarding the conflict in Ukraine. Speaking at the Third Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, held from October 28 to 29, 2026, President Mahama emphasized the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the war, noting its devastating impact on human lives and global supply chains. He reaffirmed Ghana’s stance of non-alignment and called for international solidarity in resolving global conflicts through dialogue rather than military force.

Beyond security concerns, President Mahama invited Russian businesses to deepen their collaboration with Ghana, particularly in agro-processing, fertilizer production, and the digital economy. He highlighted Ghana’s strategic role as the host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat as a gateway for Russian investment. Mahama also urged for a partnership in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution, suggesting that practical cooperation with Russia could help Africa leverage transformative technologies. On the energy front, the President revealed that discussions are ongoing with the Russian state atomic energy corporation, Rosatom, regarding the potential establishment of a nuclear power station in Ghana.

The President reflected on the historical bond between Russia and the African continent, expressing gratitude for Moscow's support during the struggles against colonialism and apartheid. President Mahama, who was himself educated in Russia, noted that thousands of African professionals have benefited from Russian education over the decades. To facilitate smoother trade, he proposed the exploration of local currencies and digital payment mechanisms. This call for deeper economic ties comes as President Putin reported that Russia exported more than 13 million tonnes of agricultural produce to Africa in early 2026, signaling a significant increase in trade volume.

On the sidelines of the summit, President Mahama visited a Kente Exhibition organized by the Russia-Ghana Parliamentary Forum, which has attracted approximately 11,000 visitors. He praised the exhibition for showcasing Ghana’s cultural heritage and strengthening people-to-people ties. Turning back to security, he called for enhanced cooperation to combat terrorism, specifically within the Alliance of Sahelian States. Mahama concluded by urging summit delegates to move beyond rhetoric and commit to actionable outcomes that deliver tangible progress for communities across both Russia and Africa.