John Dramani Mahama calls for stronger Ghana-Russia educational ties

President John Dramani Mahama has advocated for expanded educational and research partnerships between Ghana and Russia, specifically targeting transport engineering and technology. Speaking in Moscow after receiving an honorary doctorate from the Russian University of Transport, the President emphasized the necessity of strengthening academic ties to support Ghana's infrastructure development goals. He framed the cooperation as essential for building the technical capacity required to modernize the nation's transport systems.

During his address, the President pointed out a significant gap in current enrollment, noting that only one Ghanaian student is currently attending the Russian University of Transport. He called for a deliberate effort to increase these numbers, highlighting the university's global expertise in railway development, logistics, and the application of modern technology in transport systems. By fostering these partnerships, Mahama aims to build a cadre of skilled professionals capable of managing and expanding Ghana's transport networks and improving overall service delivery.

Beyond institutional cooperation, Mahama stressed the importance of vocational and technical training over purely theoretical studies. He urged students and educational institutions to focus on solving practical, real-world problems that directly impact the lives of citizens. He specifically linked educational quality in universities and technical institutions to national efficiency and safety in the transport sector, encouraging students to approach their academic pursuits with dedication and integrity to drive national development.

Acknowledging the long-standing historical relationship between Ghana and Russia, Mahama expressed optimism that the recognition bestowed upon him would serve as a catalyst for renewed bilateral cooperation. He suggested that enhanced technical expertise from Russia would play a key role in boosting Ghana’s domestic capabilities in logistics and infrastructure management, ensuring that the country’s transport sector meets international standards of safety and efficiency.