Ghana, Russia hold political talks in Accra to strengthen ties

Ghana and the Russian Federation have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation following a high-level political consultation held in the capital on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The meeting, which took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brought together delegations from both nations to review the state of their diplomatic and economic relations and to identify new avenues for collaboration.

The Ghanaian delegation was led by Ambassador Eric Owusu-Boateng, Director of the Europe Bureau, while the Russian side was headed by H.E. Anatoly Bashkin, Director of the Department of African States.

Opening the session, Ambassador Harold Adlai Agyeman, Coordinating Director of Political and Economic Affairs, highlighted the enduring nature of the partnership, noting that the 68-year relationship between Accra and Moscow is built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and solidarity. He stated that this long-standing bond has been sustained through continuous political dialogue, economic cooperation, educational exchanges, and joint efforts within multilateral platforms.

Economic and Sectoral Cooperation

Discussions during the technical session focused on reviewing bilateral trade figures and exploring opportunities for growth in several key sectors. Both sides identified agriculture, industrial development, manufacturing, infrastructure development, energy, and technology transfer as priority areas for future engagement.

Recognizing the role of knowledge transfer in national development, the delegations emphasized the need to strengthen academic partnerships. Specific focus was placed on collaboration between universities in the fields of science, engineering, technology, and medicine. Further discussions covered cooperation in energy diversification, technical and vocational training, and broader capacity-building initiatives.

Regional Security and Upcoming Summits

Beyond bilateral issues, the two parties exchanged views on regional and multilateral developments. A significant portion of the dialogue was dedicated to the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel region. The delegations also discussed preparations for the upcoming Third Russia–Africa Summit, scheduled for October 2026 in Russia, viewing it as a key platform to further solidify Africa’s partnership with Moscow.

Consular and Citizen Welfare Issues

Following the main consultations, the head of the Russian delegation paid a courtesy call on the Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, where both parties expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting.

During these discussions, the Ghanaian side raised two specific consular concerns. The government formally requested Russia’s cooperation in ensuring accountability for a Russian citizen allegedly involved in the non-consensual publication of explicit images of Ghanaian women. According to a statement from the ministry, the Russian delegation assured Ghana of its commitment to cooperate on the matter.

Additionally, Ghanaian officials reiterated concerns regarding the alleged recruitment of Ghanaian youth to participate in Russia’s ongoing military operations. Both countries agreed to work together to address the issue, underscoring their commitment to the welfare and protection of their citizens.

The consultation in Accra forms part of ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at advancing the bilateral relations between the Republic of Ghana and the Russian Federation.