Trade relations between Ghana and Russia have recorded significant growth, with bilateral trade turnover increasing from $247 million in 2022 to more than $800 million in 2024, according to the Russian Embassy in Ghana.

The embassy said the two countries continue to maintain “positive and dynamic” relations, with a focus on expanding political, economic and cultural cooperation.

In a statement, the embassy said Russia’s priority was to deepen political dialogue with Ghana, including closer coordination at the United Nations (UN).

It noted that Russia supported Ghana’s initiative on General Assembly Resolution 80/250, which recognises the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity.

The embassy added that Russia had offered the support of the Institute of African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences to assist in quantifying reparations linked to the historical impact of the slave trade.

Energy, agriculture and mining cooperation

The embassy highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation in key economic sectors, particularly energy, agriculture and mining.

It said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed between the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission and Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, creating a foundation for potential future collaboration in the energy sector.

In agriculture, Russia expressed readiness to increase fertiliser supplies to Ghana and support the development of localised fertiliser production.

The embassy also said there was interest in joint exploration and development of Ghana’s gold and bauxite resources.

It added that Ghana was considered an important partner for accessing African markets under the framework of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

"In the energy sector, a memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission and Rosatom, laying the groundwork for potential future cooperation. In agriculture, Russia is ready to increase fertiliser supplies and develop localised production. In the mining sector, there is interest in joint development of gold and bauxite deposits. Ghana is viewed as a partner for accessing African markets within the framework of the Africa-China Free Trade Agreement," the Embassy posted on social media.

Education and technology partnerships

Russia said it was expanding educational cooperation with Ghana, with 120 government-funded scholarship places allocated to Ghanaian students for the 2026/27 academic year.

The embassy said direct partnerships were also being developed between Russian and Ghanaian higher education institutions.

It noted that Takoradi Technical University had become the first Ghanaian institution to join the Russian-African Network University.

The embassy further revealed that more than 500 students were currently studying Russian at the University of Ghana and the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC).

Beyond education, Russia said it was offering partnerships in emerging technological fields, including artificial intelligence, digital platforms, cybersecurity, independent payment systems and digital healthcare.

The embassy said Russia’s experience with digital services, including the “Gosuslugi” government portal and “Smart City” technologies, would form part of discussions at the upcoming Russia–Africa Summit.

"A government quota of 120 places has been allocated to Ghana for the 2026/27 academic year. Direct links are being developed between Russian and Ghanaian higher education institutions. Takoradi Technical University became the first Ghanaian member of the Russian-African Network University. Over 500 students are studying Russian at the University of Ghana and UniMAC."

Russia-Africa Summit

The third Russia–Africa Summit is scheduled to take place in Moscow on 28–29 October 2026.

According to the embassy, the summit is expected to approve a new Action Plan for the Partnership Forum covering 2027–2029 and facilitate the signing of several cooperation agreements.

Ghana is participating in preparations for the summit and is considered by Russia as one of its reliable partners in West Africa.

"Russia is offering partnerships in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital platforms (including the experience of the ‘Gosuslugi’ portal and ‘Smart City’ technologies), cyber security, the creation of independent payment systems, and digital healthcare. These topics will feature on the agenda of the forthcoming Russia–Africa Summit."

The embassy said Russia viewed Africa as “one of the pillars of the emerging multipolar world” and called for stronger cooperation between governments, businesses and institutions.

It urged Ghanaian and Russian businesses to move beyond trade relations and focus on establishing joint production facilities and logistics centres.

"The third Russia–Africa Summit will take place in Moscow on 28–29 October 2026. Plans are in place to approve a new Action Plan for the Partnership Forum for 2027–2029 and to sign a package of documents. Ghana is involved in the preparations for the summit and is regarded as one of Russia’s reliable partners in West Africa. Russia views Africa as one of the pillars of the emerging multipolar world."

The Russian Ambassador to Ghana said his main objective was to strengthen trust between the two countries through expanded scholarships, cultural initiatives, exchanges and Russian language programmes.

“We will strengthen ties with the people of Ghana through new scholarships, cultural projects, exchanges and Russian language learning,” the ambassador said.