Ghana has secured Russia’s backing to develop a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant, a proposed project that could reshape the West African country’s long-term electricity supply as it seeks to strengthen energy security and support industrial growth.

The agreement also covers deeper defense cooperation, signaling a broader expansion of ties between Accra and Moscow.

Nuclear power takes center stage

Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the commitments following talks at the Russia-Africa Summit.

The proposed nuclear project comes as Ghana seeks to diversify its electricity generation capacity and secure reliable power supplies for industries, businesses and households amid growing demand for energy.

The announcement followed a statement by Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom, that it was discussing large nuclear power projects with four African countries, including Ghana.

The talks highlight Moscow’s efforts to expand its role in Africa’s energy sector through nuclear technology, infrastructure development and long-term cooperation with national governments.

Moscow expands African partnerships

The proposed plant would represent a significant addition to Ghana’s power infrastructure, although the announcement did not provide a construction timetable, financing arrangements or details of the project’s implementation.

Those factors will be critical in determining how quickly the agreement can translate into electricity generation and the scale of investment required.

Russia and Ghana also agreed to deepen defense cooperation through a new pact covering military assets, according to Ablakwa.

The foreign minister said Russian President Vladimir Putin had barred Ghanaians from participating in Russia’s war in Ukraine, including through irregular recruitment or voluntary enlistment.

Energy, agriculture and education

The agreements extend beyond nuclear energy and defense, with Russia also pledging support for Ghana’s agricultural sector and an increase in scholarships for Ghanaian students studying in Russia.

The commitments broaden the scope of cooperation between the countries as both governments pursue closer economic, educational and strategic ties.

First held in 2019, the Russia-Africa Summit has become a platform for Moscow to pursue stronger economic relationships across the continent.

Energy cooperation remains a central focus, with nuclear power offering African governments a potential source of large-scale electricity as they seek to meet rising demand and support industrialization.