# Ukraine and Ghana forge new partnership with focus on UAV Tech

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2025/07/ukraine-and-ghana-forge-new-partnership-with-focus-on-uav-tech/
- Published: 2025-07-18T22:12:46+01:00
- Author: Ekene Lionel

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](https://www.military.africa/2025/03/exclusive-inside-ukraines-unmanned-systems-and-potential-post-war-use/)
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.

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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](https://www.military.africa/2024/04/south-african-paramount-offers-mbombe-6-armoured-vehicles-to-ukraine/)
a Mbombe 6 mine-protected armoured vehicle, which Ukrainian forces have utilised
with a Spy’s combat module.

Morocco [delivered](https://www.military.africa/2023/01/moroccos-t-72-tanks-were-sent-to-ukraine-without-permission/)
around 20 modernised T-72B tanks, [upgraded by the Czech firm Excalibur Army](https://www.military.africa/2023/01/morocco-sends-20-modernized-t-72-tanks-to-ukraine-as-germany-witholds-leopard-2s/),
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.

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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.

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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.

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