By Our Democracy News GH

MOSCOW, Russia – President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana is exploring nuclear power and other alternative energy sources to meet the growing electricity demands of industrialisation, particularly as the country seeks to process more of its minerals locally instead of exporting them in raw form.

The President disclosed this on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, during an open dialogue with students of the Russian University of Transport in Moscow, where he discussed Ghana’s development priorities, energy security and opportunities for deeper cooperation with Russia.

Mr Mahama said Ghana’s ambitions to add value to its gold, bauxite and manganese resources would require a reliable and affordable electricity supply, making nuclear energy a potential addition to the country’s existing energy mix.

“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 said.

His remarks signal a possible expansion of Ghana–Russia cooperation in the energy sector as the government seeks to establish the power infrastructure needed to support industrial growth.

Mahama identifies jobs as key development priority

The President said his administration’s priority was to translate improvements in the country’s macroeconomic performance into jobs and economic opportunities, particularly for young people.

“My dream is to translate the macroeconomic success into jobs and opportunities for the young people. How we set the stage for the country to industrialise. That’s my dream,” he stated.

He has pointed to falling inflation and a recovering currency as signs of economic stabilisation, while emphasising that such gains must translate into tangible benefits for households through employment and industrial development.

Russia talks expected to explore investment opportunities

Mr Mahama also expressed optimism that his planned bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin would open new areas of cooperation and attract investment to Ghana.

Speaking ahead of the third Russia–Africa Summit, scheduled to open on Wednesday, October 28, the President said the discussions could strengthen relations between the two countries.

“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.

The President arrived in Moscow on Monday for the visit, which includes discussions on energy, education, transport and other areas of mutual interest.

He has also used the visit to advocate a ceasefire in the Russia–Ukraine war.

Nuclear energy and mineral processing

Ghana’s consideration of nuclear power comes as the government pursues an industrialisation agenda that places greater emphasis on processing the country’s natural resources domestically.

Mr Mahama argued that refining minerals and expanding value-added production would require substantially more electricity than the current generation mix can provide.

Russia’s nuclear technology capabilities could therefore feature in discussions on possible energy cooperation, although the President’s remarks did not specify any agreement, project timeline or investment commitment.

The proposed cooperation would form part of broader efforts to secure the energy supply needed to support manufacturing, mineral processing and employment creation.