President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana is exploring nuclear power and other alternative energy sources to support its industrialisation agenda, citing the growing electricity demands of processing the country’s mineral resources locally.
He made the disclosure on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, during an open dialogue with students of the Russian University of Transport in Moscow, following his conferment with an honorary doctorate.
The session provided an opportunity for the President to address questions on industrialisation, energy security and prospects for stronger cooperation between Ghana and Russia.
President Mahama said Ghana was considering expanding its energy mix to meet the power requirements of its economic transformation plans, particularly the transition from exporting raw minerals to processing them domestically.
“We are looking at alternative energy sources. That is why we are looking at nuclear, adding nuclear energy to the mix. I know that Russia has advanced technology in some of these things, so we will work with that,” he stated.
He explained that Ghana’s ambition to add value to its mineral resources would require a reliable and affordable electricity supply beyond what the current generation mix could adequately provide.
Ghana is a major producer of gold, bauxite and manganese, but expanding local refining and mineral processing would require substantial investments in energy infrastructure and generation capacity.
The President’s remarks point to a potential expansion of Ghana–Russia cooperation in the nuclear energy sector, where Russia has established expertise in the construction and development of nuclear power plants.
Mahama optimistic about Putin talks
President Mahama has also expressed optimism that his planned bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin will create opportunities for deeper economic cooperation and investment.
Speaking ahead of the third Russia–Africa Summit, which opened on Wednesday, October 28, he said the engagement could strengthen relations between the two countries and identify new areas of collaboration.
“I believe that meeting will open new areas of cooperation. I am sure that after the meeting, it will draw us closer in terms of investments,” he said.
President Mahama arrived in Moscow on Monday as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s diplomatic and economic relations with Russia.
Beyond energy, his visit has focused on expanding cooperation in education, transport and other strategic sectors, while also pressing for a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
Ghana’s interest in nuclear power comes amid its broader drive to strengthen energy security, support industrial growth and establish domestic mineral processing as a key contributor to economic development.
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