President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that Ghana is exploring alternative energy sources, including nuclear power, to drive the country's industrialisation agenda, saying processing of the country's minerals demands more electricity than the current generation mix can supply.
The President made the disclosure last Tuesday during an open dialogue session with students of the Russian University of Transport (RUT MIIT) in Moscow, where he had earlier been conferred with an honorary doctorate.
The session, held before the conferment ceremony, saw the President field questions from students on industrialisation, energy security and the future of Ghana–Russia cooperation.
President’s dream
Asked about his vision for Ghana, President Mahama said his administration focused on turning the country's improving macroeconomic indicators into tangible opportunities 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 said.
He has repeatedly pointed to falling inflation and a recovering currency as evidence of stabilisation, but has insisted that the gains must be felt in households through employment.
Nuclear energy
On energy, the President said Ghana was looking beyond its traditional sources of generation.
"We are looking at alternative energy sources. That is why we are looking at nuclear, adding nuclear energy to the mix. I know Russia has advanced technology in some of these things, so we will work with that," he stated.
He explained that Ghana's ambition to move from exporting raw minerals to processing them locally was energy-intensive.
The President noted that Ghana was a leading producer of gold, bauxite and manganese, adding that refining and value addition would require a dependable and affordable power supply.
His comments signalled a possible new frontier in Ghana–Russia cooperation, with Moscow's state nuclear corporation among the world's leading builders of nuclear power plants.
Summit, Putin talks
With regards to the third Russia–Africa Summit, which opened yesterday, President Mahama expressed optimism that his bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin would open new areas of cooperation.
"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 last Monday and used the visit to press for a ceasefire in the Russia–Ukraine war, alongside a push for stronger cooperation in education, transport and energy.
Context
Ghana has long debated nuclear power, with successive governments commissioning feasibility studies and site assessments, but no plant has been built.
The country's generation mix remains dominated by hydro and thermal sources, with solar contributing a small share.
The President's remarks in Moscow suggest Accra may be prepared to look to Russia for technology and financing, a move with both energy security and geopolitical implications.
