This African nation thanks Russia as 'reliable friend' after West stood aside on slavery vote

Ghana and Russia have signalled closer ties following talks between Foreign Ministers Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Sergey Lavrov. Ablakwa thanked Moscow for supporting Ghana’s UN resolution on the transatlantic slave trade and praised Russia as a reliable partner on historical justice and Africa. The two sides also discussed expanded scholarships for Ghanaian students, visa-free travel for diplomatic and service passport holders, stronger defence cooperation, counterterrorism and regional security. Ablakwa also raised concerns over Ghanaian youth being recruited to fight in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, citing casualties and missing nationals. The talks highlight growing Ghana-Russia cooperation across diplomacy, education, security and economic development.