Ghana and Russia have signed their first visa waiver agreement since establishing formal diplomatic relations in 1958, covering holders of diplomatic and service passports.
The agreement was signed in Russia on the first day of a three-day official visit by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, following an invitation from his Russian counterpart, H.E. Sergey Lavrov.
Mr Ablakwa described the agreement as historic, marking the first such arrangement between the two countries since formal bilateral relations began.
“We shall continue with negotiations for enhanced privileges for all categories of travellers as we bolster trade, investments and people to people exchanges.,” he said
The minister said the next phase of discussions would focus on providing greater access for other categories of travellers. Those negotiations are intended to support stronger commercial links, investment and exchanges between citizens of Ghana and Russia.
During bilateral talks, Mr Ablakwa also expressed Ghana’s appreciation for Russia’s support for a Ghana-led resolution at the United Nations.
He said Russia had supported and voted for the landmark UN resolution declaring the transatlantic enslavement and racialised chattel as the gravest crime against humanity.
Mr Ablakwa said the visit would also help establish wider areas of strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Scholarships and energy cooperation
As part of the visit, Russia has agreed to double the number of scholarships available to Ghanaian students each academic year.
The number of full scholarships will increase from 120 to 240. Priority will be given to applicants pursuing studies in artificial intelligence, engineering, petroleum sciences and pharmaceuticals.
The expanded scholarship programme forms part of broader efforts to strengthen cooperation and people-to-people links between Ghana and Russia.
The two countries have also agreed to advance collaboration on Ghana’s peaceful nuclear energy programme and its green transition objectives.
Ghana is seeking to diversify its energy supply by incorporating 700 MW of nuclear power into its energy mix. The proposed cooperation with Russia will contribute to discussions around that objective, alongside the country’s wider transition towards greener energy.
“Ghana and Russia will also work together on global issues including counterterrorism, climate change and UN reforms,” he said
The areas identified for cooperation cover security, the environment and the future development of the United Nations system.
Mr Ablakwa’s visit comes as Ghana and Russia seek to broaden their relationship beyond diplomatic engagement. The visa waiver agreement, increased educational opportunities and discussions on energy form part of a wider programme of bilateral cooperation.
The foreign minister is undertaking the three-day official visit at the invitation of H.E. Sergey Lavrov. Discussions during the trip are expected to map out further areas of strategic cooperation between Ghana and Russia, while continuing negotiations on travel arrangements for other passport holders.
