Ghana’s NDC, Russia’s United Russia Party sign cooperation agreement in St Petersburg

Ghana’s governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Russia’s ruling United Russia party have signed a formal cooperation agreement aimed at deepening political ties and expanding inter-party collaboration across the African continent.

The agreement was signed on 25 June 2026 in Saint Petersburg during a working meeting of the Standing Committee of the “For the Freedom of Nations!” Movement—a Russian-led international anti-neocolonialist initiative officially established in February 2024 on the platform of United Russia.

High-Level Delegations Represent Both Sides

The signing ceremony brought together senior representatives from both political organisations. Mr Andrei Klimov, a member of the Bureau of the Supreme Council of United Russia and a senator from Perm Krai, represented the Russian party. Dr Johnson Asiedu-Nketia, National Chairman of Ghana’s ruling National Democratic Congress, led the Ghanaian delegation.

Building on Growing Parliamentary Ties

During their talks, both parties acknowledged the expanding engagement between Ghana and Russia at the parliamentary and diplomatic levels. They agreed to intensify structured cooperation between their respective political organisations, facilitating the exchange of ideas, experiences, and political dialogue. The agreement builds on broader bilateral relations that date back to the Soviet era, when the USSR provided significant support to Ghana’s early development efforts in education, infrastructure, and industrialisation.

Asiedu-Nketia Highlights Russia’s Anti-Colonial Role

Dr Asiedu-Nketia highlighted Russia’s historical role as the successor state to the Soviet Union in opposing colonial practices and supporting anti-colonial struggles across the Global South. He reaffirmed the NDC’s full commitment to the principles and objectives of the “For the Freedom of Nations!” Movement.

Speaking at the same Standing Committee meeting, the NDC Chairman presented Ghana’s position on countering modern neocolonialism and advancing what he described as “true global equity.” Quoting Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, he argued that “political independence remains incomplete if our financial systems, trade regimes, and resources are still governed by rules we did not write.”

Pan-African Collaboration and West African Focus

The two parties further agreed to promote broader inter-party cooperation across the African continent, with particular emphasis on the West African sub-region. Dr Asiedu-Nketia stressed that “true Pan-Africanism cannot exist without economic liberation,” calling on African leaders to back their commitments with concrete action rather than rhetoric alone.

Alignment with Third Russia–Africa Summit

Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening political and diplomatic engagement ahead of the third Russia–Africa Summit, scheduled to take place in Moscow on 28–29 October 2026. They described the upcoming summit as a critical opportunity to deepen cooperation between Russia and African nations across multiple domains.

Ghanaian President John Mahama is expected to attend the summit in October, according to Ghana’s Ambassador to Russia. The agreement between the NDC and United Russia marks a further step in political engagement between the two countries, building on the broader diplomatic and parliamentary relations that have characterised Ghana-Russia ties for decades.

— Additional reporting by classiccitynews.com