Ghana and Russia have signed a Visa Waiver Agreement covering holders of diplomatic and service passports, marking a new development in bilateral relations between the two countries.
The agreement was signed during Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s three-day official visit to Russia, following an invitation from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
According to Mr Ablakwa, the agreement represents the first visa waiver arrangement between Ghana and Russia since the two countries established formal diplomatic relations in 1958.
He said Ghana would continue negotiations with Russia to secure enhanced travel privileges for other categories of travellers as both countries work to strengthen trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
During bilateral discussions, Mr Ablakwa also expressed Ghana’s appreciation to Russia for supporting and voting in favour of a Ghana-led United Nations resolution declaring transatlantic enslavement and racialised chattel as the gravest crime against humanity.
He said the official visit is also expected to identify broader areas of strategic cooperation between Ghana and Russia.
Russian Scholarships for Ghanaian Students Doubled
As part of the expanding cooperation, Mr Ablakwa announced that Russian government scholarships for Ghanaian students have been doubled from 120 to 240 places per academic year.
The full scholarships will prioritise fields including artificial intelligence, engineering, petroleum sciences and pharmaceuticals.
Ghana and Russia have also agreed to deepen cooperation in Ghana’s peaceful nuclear energy programme and green transition efforts.
The collaboration comes as Ghana explores energy diversification, including plans to incorporate 700 megawatts of nuclear power into the country’s energy mix.
Beyond energy and education, the two countries are expected to cooperate on international issues including counterterrorism, climate change and reform of the United Nations.
Mr Ablakwa said the agreements form part of Ghana’s broader efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships and expand economic and diplomatic cooperation with Russia.
