Power
Ghana in talks with Russia for first nuclear power plant
Ghana has opened discussions with Russia’s state nuclear corporation regarding the construction of the country's first nuclear power facility.
Key points
- President John Dramani Mahama announced the talks at the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.
- The proposed project aims to support industrialisation and diversify Ghana's energy mix.
- Ghana and the Soviet Union previously cooperated on a research reactor in 1964.
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the country has begun discussions with Rosatom, Russia's state nuclear corporation, to build its inaugural nuclear power station, MyJoyOnline reported. According to the report, the announcement was made during the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, which was chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Mr Mahama noted that the initiative forms part of broader strategies to secure dependable and affordable electricity for industrial expansion. He emphasised the need to diversify the national energy matrix to incorporate both renewable sources and nuclear technology. "Industrialisation requires reliable and affordable electricity," the President stated, according to MyJoyOnline.
The discussions build upon historical ties between the two nations. The President recalled that the Soviet Union supplied Ghana with a two-megawatt nuclear research reactor in 1964, alongside training programmes for local nuclear scientists. Beyond energy, the talks also touched upon expanding bilateral economic cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, digital services, healthcare, and transport infrastructure.
What comes next
While preliminary discussions have commenced, the talks with Rosatom do not constitute a final binding agreement or provide a definitive timeline for the construction of the plant. Both nations have also explored mechanisms to enhance trade, including the potential use of local currencies and digital payment systems for trade settlements, alongside joint initiatives in artificial intelligence and agricultural technology.
Why it matters
The pursuit of nuclear energy reflects a growing interest across West Africa in securing baseload power to drive industrialisation. According to World Bank figures provided by the CEII, Ghana's electricity use per person stood at 597.9 kilowatt-hours in 2024, with 91.9 percent of the population having access to electricity and renewables accounting for 34.9 percent of electricity output in 2021.
As African economies seek to expand manufacturing and raise per capita energy consumption, diversifying away from traditional thermal and hydro sources becomes critical. However, nuclear projects require extensive capital, robust regulatory frameworks, and long development timelines, presenting significant policy and financial considerations for investors and regulators monitoring the region's energy transition.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Grids decide whether generation becomes power that homes and businesses can rely on. Generation mix, transmission and distribution losses, and tariffs together shape reliability and the case for investment.
91.9% of people in Ghana had electricity in 2024Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
