President John Dramani Mahama says discussions have begun with Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom on plans to establish Ghana nuclear power generation through the country’s first nuclear power station.
Mr Mahama announced the talks during the Third Russia-Africa Forum in Moscow, where he argued that Africa’s industrial ambitions would require more reliable and affordable electricity.
“We have initiated discussions with Rosatom on the establishment of Ghana’s first nuclear power station,” he said.
No final agreement, construction site or timetable has been announced.
Nuclear Energy to Support Industrialisation
President Mahama identified inadequate electricity supply as a major constraint on industrial growth across Africa.
He said Ghana was looking at nuclear power alongside renewable energy as part of a broader effort to diversify its electricity mix and provide dependable power for industries.
A nuclear plant would provide baseload generation to complement Ghana’s existing hydroelectric and thermal power plants, particularly as electricity demand rises with population growth and industrial expansion.
Mr Mahama said Russia’s experience in nuclear technology presented an opportunity for deeper energy cooperation between the two countries.
Ghana Builds on Longstanding Nuclear Programme
Ghana’s nuclear ambitions are not new.
The country has operated nuclear research infrastructure for decades and has trained scientists and engineers in preparation for the possible introduction of nuclear power into the national electricity system.
The latest engagement with Rosatom moves that ambition into a new phase, although major technical, regulatory, financial and safety decisions would still be required before construction can begin.
President Mahama’s announcement also comes as Ghana seeks wider economic and energy partnerships with Russia during the Moscow summit.
For government, nuclear power is being considered as part of a longer-term strategy to secure reliable electricity while reducing pressure on existing generation sources.
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