John Dramani Mahama awarded honorary degree by Russian University of Transport

President John Dramani Mahama has been conferred with an honorary doctorate degree by the Russian University of Transport (RUT) in Moscow, becoming the first sitting head of state to receive such an honor from the institution. The award, presented during a state visit to Russia, recognizes the President’s leadership in infrastructure development and public service. While in Moscow, the President also received a similar honorary degree from the Friendship University of Russia, marking a significant academic recognition of his administration's policies on the international stage.

In his acceptance lecture, President Mahama emphasized the pivotal role of transport infrastructure in driving national development and economic opportunity. He highlighted his administration's "Big Push" infrastructure program, which focuses on modernizing Ghana’s transit networks to meet contemporary demands. A key highlight of his address was the commitment to reviving the national carrier, with the President expressing confidence that Ghana Airways will return to the skies before the end of his current tenure. This revival strategy includes the expansion of regional airports and the modernization of the railway network, including the introduction of new freight trains.

Beyond transport, the President used the platform to discuss Ghana’s broader industrialization agenda, including the exploration of nuclear energy to meet the country’s long-term power needs. He encouraged academic collaboration between Ghanaian institutions and their Russian counterparts, urging students to use their education to foster mutual understanding and international cooperation. The President noted that the development of human capital is as essential as physical infrastructure for the sustainable growth of any nation.

President Mahama’s visit coincides with the 3rd Russia-Africa Summit, where he is joined by over 30 other African heads of state. The visit is expected to culminate in bilateral talks with President Vladimir Putin, focusing on enhancing cooperation in trade, energy, and education. These high-level discussions aim to strengthen the long-standing diplomatic ties between Ghana and Russia while securing strategic investments for Ghana’s ongoing development projects.