Ghana says Russia to back 2,000 MW nuclear plant, deepen ties

Oct 31 - Russia has agreed to work with Ghana on developing a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant following talks at the Russia-Africa Summit, Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said on Saturday.• The project is aimed at strengthening energy security and industrialization, Ablakwa said in a statement on X.• The announcement came a day after Russia's state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, said it was in talks with four African countries, including Ghana, on large nuclear power projects.• First held in 2019, the Russia-Africa Summit is part of a concerted push by Moscow to deepen economic ties with Africa through energy cooperation.• The two countries also agreed to deepen defense ties through a new pact covering assets for Ghana's military.• Ablakwa said Russian President Vladimir Putin had barred the participation of Ghanaians in Russia's war in Ukraine, including through irregular recruitment or voluntary enlistment.• Other commitments included support for Ghana's agriculture sector, and increased scholarships for Ghanaian students in Russia. REUTERS