Ghana, Russia Deepen Ties During Moscow Talks

Will Lavrov's Ghana visit deepen destabilizing Russian influence or strengthen Ghana's sovereignty and independence?
Ghana, Russia Deepen Ties During Moscow Talks
Above: Sergei Lavrov and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa during a meeting in Moscow on Aug. 17. Image credit: Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin


Pro-Russia narrative

Russia is stepping up its Africa outreach, with Lavrov deepening ties across the continent and Ghana praising Moscow for backing its U.N. resolution on slavery and reparatory justice. From Sahel security cooperation to scholarships and visa agreements, Russia is positioning itself as a partner for African sovereignty and greater global influence, contrasting its approach with Western powers still accused of imposing political conditions and protecting their own interests.

Anti-Russia narrative

Russia’s expanding Sahel footprint has failed to deliver the security Moscow promised. Jihadist groups are expanding across Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger and pushing south into Benin, Togo and Ghana, while Russia’s Africa Corps suffered a major defeat at Kidal. Ghana is now investigating networks allegedly recruiting hundreds of its citizens for Russia’s war in Ukraine, with dozens reportedly killed — further undermining Moscow’s claims to support African sovereignty and security.


Metaculus Prediction


© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 7.13.0

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 7.13.0