President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that Ghana is considering nuclear energy and other alternative power sources to support industrialisation, boost local mineral processing and create jobs for young people.
Speaking during a dialogue with students at the Russian University of Transport in Moscow on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the President said Ghana needs a reliable and affordable electricity supply to achieve its industrial development goals.
Mahama explained that processing minerals such as gold, bauxite and manganese locally requires significantly more energy than exporting raw materials. He stressed that expanding Ghana’s industrial capacity will depend on access to sufficient and dependable electricity.
Ghana Explores Nuclear Power and Russia Partnership
The President indicated that nuclear energy could become part of Ghana’s future electricity generation mix, highlighting Russia’s advanced nuclear technology as a potential area for bilateral cooperation.
“We are looking at alternative energy sources. That is why we are looking at nuclear, adding nuclear energy to the mix,” Mahama said, expressing interest in working with Russia on relevant technologies.
Ghana has considered nuclear power for several years, with successive governments undertaking feasibility studies and site assessments. However, the country has yet to build a nuclear power plant.
The latest comments suggest that cooperation with Russia could feature in discussions about Ghana’s long-term energy security, although specific agreements on nuclear power were not announced in the statement.
Mahama Prioritises Jobs and Economic Growth
Mahama also emphasised that his administration wants to translate improvements in Ghana’s macroeconomic performance into employment opportunities and better living conditions, particularly for young people.
He said the country’s development agenda focuses on creating the conditions necessary for industrialisation, expanding local manufacturing and increasing the value of Ghanaian natural resources.
The President has repeatedly stressed that improvements in inflation and currency stability must ultimately lead to tangible economic benefits for households and businesses.
Ghana-Russia Relations and Investment Opportunities
Mahama’s remarks came ahead of the third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled to open on October 28, 2026. He expressed optimism that his planned bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin would strengthen relations and attract new investment.
The President’s visit to Moscow also provides an opportunity to explore cooperation in education, transport infrastructure, energy and technology.
During the visit, Mahama has also called for a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war while promoting stronger international partnerships for Ghana.
Ghana’s potential adoption of nuclear energy could represent a significant step in its long-term electricity and industrialisation strategy. However, financing, regulatory requirements, technical capacity and safety considerations would be important factors in any future nuclear power project.
The proposed expansion of energy options reflects Ghana’s ambition to move beyond raw mineral exports, strengthen domestic manufacturing and create sustainable jobs through industrial development.
Source: newsthemegh.com