In early July, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama engaged in a phone call that laid the foundation for a strengthened partnership between their nations. The conversation opened a pathway to deeper bilateral cooperation, with a particular emphasis on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology to address Ghana’s security needs.
This dialogue builds on earlier talks between the two countries and reflects a mutual desire to expand ties across defence, agriculture, and advanced technologies. The phone call centred on several promising areas of collaboration. One key topic was Ghana’s interest in acquiring Ukrainian UAV models for surveillance and monitoring purposes. Ghana aims to enhance security along its borders with the Sahel region, where the threat of Islamist jihadist groups has become a pressing concern.
President Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine’s willingness to support this effort, stating, “Ghana is ready to finance our production, and we are ready to help our partners secure their borders.” This potential UAV deal marks a practical step toward bolstering Ghana’s defence capabilities with Ukrainian expertise, offering a tailored solution to regional security challenges. Beyond the UAV discussion, the two leaders explored cooperation in the agro-industrial sector. They agreed to organise a ministerial-level meeting to kickstart practical initiatives and discussed the construction of a logistics hub for food storage, with Ukraine prepared to take the lead in its implementation.
These plans demonstrate a broad approach to partnership, blending security concerns with economic and infrastructural development. Zelenskyy also noted that a Ukrainian delegation would soon visit Ghana to advance these efforts, while Mahama extended an invitation for Zelenskyy to visit Ghana, with a reciprocal invitation issued for Mahama to travel to Ukraine. The leaders committed to meeting again soon, signalling a proactive push to turn their discussions into action. This recent exchange follows a June meeting that set the stage for closer ties. During that earlier online discussion, Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister and Chief Digital Transformation Officer, Anton Demokhin, met with Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Information Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George.
The two officials focused on deepening collaboration in digitalisation, cybersecurity, and combating cybercrime. They agreed to involve their respective government agencies to drive these efforts forward, recognising the value of shared expertise in these fields. Demokhin praised Ghana’s Digital Agenda, saying, “We commend Ghana’s Digital Agenda as a timely step towards the global digital economy and believe that the Ukrainian experience would support the initiatives on the agenda.” He shared insights into Ukraine’s advancements in digital transformation, innovation, and cyber capabilities, offering a model for Ghana to draw from. In response, George expressed Ghana’s interest in adopting Ukraine’s cybersecurity practices, integrating artificial intelligence into public administration, establishing Chief Digital Transformation Officer roles, and improving digital literacy among its citizens. This exchange highlights a mutual eagerness to leverage technology for governance and security.
The June meeting also sparked plans for a joint Ukrainian-Ghanaian IT Forum, driven by the enthusiasm of Ukrainian tech companies to engage with Ghana’s private and public sectors. Demokhin emphasised initiatives like the Code-UA platform, which aims to showcase Ukraine’s IT market and foster business connections. This digital cooperation complements the defence-focused UAV partnership, creating a multifaceted relationship that spans both cutting-edge technology and practical security solutions.
The growing bond between Ukraine and Ghana unfolds against a complex geopolitical landscape. Ghana has taken a clear stance at the United Nations, condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and supporting international efforts for peace. However, other African nations have adopted diverse positions, reflecting a range of interests across the continent. Since February 2022, Ukraine has received military equipment from several African countries, illustrating the continent’s varied involvement in the conflict. South Africa provided a Mbombe 6 mine-protected armoured vehicle, which Ukrainian forces have utilised with a Spy’s combat module.
Morocco delivered around 20 modernised T-72B tanks, upgraded by the Czech firm Excalibur Army, marking the first African contribution of armoured vehicles to Kyiv. Meanwhile, reports suggest Russia has increased its recruitment of African mercenaries to bolster its military efforts in Ukraine, adding another dimension to the continent’s role in the war.
The UAV collaboration between Ukraine and Ghana stands out as a forward-looking initiative. For Ghana, acquiring these systems would strengthen its ability to monitor its borders, directly addressing the instability spilling over from the Sahel. For Ukraine, the partnership offers an opportunity to expand its technological footprint in Africa, positioning it as a reliable partner in defence innovation. The planned delegation visit and potential reciprocal trips by the presidents indicate a commitment to moving quickly on these fronts. This partnership also carries broader implications.
It aligns with a trend of African nations seeking diverse sources for defence and technological solutions, reducing reliance on traditional powers. By working with Ukraine, Ghana gains access to tailored expertise while maintaining its autonomy in addressing local challenges. The collaboration could inspire similar efforts elsewhere on the continent, as countries look for practical, adaptable ways to enhance their security and development. In wrapping up their July call, Zelenskyy thanked Mahama for Ghana’s principled support and emphasised Ukraine’s readiness to partner with the West African nation.