Ghana is taking a significant step toward nuclear energy. President John Mahama said this week that his government is holding talks with Russia about building the country's first nuclear power plant, according to Ghanaian newspaper reporting on his public remarks.
The plan reflects a broader push across Ghana, and across a number of growing African economies, to diversify and expand electricity generating capacity as demand for power rises alongside economic growth and population expansion. Nuclear power has drawn increasing interest from several countries in the region looking for a stable, large-scale source of electricity to complement hydroelectric, solar and gas generation. Mahama's comments did not include a timeline or specific financing details for the project, and no formal agreement has been announced.
The nuclear announcement came as Mahama attended a Russia-Africa Summit, where, according to reporting from Ghanaian outlets, he called for an end to global conflicts and urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to pursue lasting peace in Ukraine. Russia-Africa summits have in recent years become a regular venue for African heads of state to discuss economic cooperation, including energy and infrastructure projects, alongside broader geopolitical discussions.
The nuclear talks are one of several economic stories making headlines in Ghana this week, alongside reporting on mining sector regulation and continued investment commitments from gold mining companies operating in the country. Together they point to a period of active economic policymaking in Ghana as the government works through decisions on energy, mining and infrastructure.
Watch for whether Ghana and Russia move from exploratory talks toward a formal agreement, and for details on financing, site selection and timeline for any nuclear project.
Has Ghana signed a deal for a nuclear plant?
No formal agreement has been announced; officials have described the discussions with Russia as ongoing talks.