The Russian government is seeking to broaden its engagement with Ghana by placing arts, education and youth collaboration at the forefront of future cooperation, according to Russia’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Mr Andrei Ordash.
Rather than limiting bilateral engagement to diplomatic dialogue, commerce and political affairs, Moscow intends to strengthen long-term relations through shared learning, cultural interaction and creative development.
Speaking on the direction of the two countries’ partnership today at the capital of Ghana, Accra, Mr Ordash said lasting international relations are built through people-to-people connections and not solely by government agreements.
”Cultural cooperation is not merely a pleasant addition to politics and the economy. It is the very foundation and the ‘living soul’ of our relations, the very thing that makes them truly strong and enduring,” he said.
He explained that Ghana’s expanding creative economy and youthful population offer significant prospects for collaboration in film production, theatre, media training, language education and other artistic ventures.
The envoy also highlighted higher education as one of the strongest pillars connecting both countries, recalling that many Ghanaian professionals received their academic training in the former Soviet Union and present-day Russia before returning home to contribute to national development.
Describing those graduates as an important link between the two nations, he said they continue to strengthen cooperation through their professional achievements.
Mr Ordash further encouraged participants in educational and cultural programmes to become advocates for stronger ties between the two countries.
”We want every Ghanaian student who has visited Russia, or every participant in a cultural exchange, to become a good ambassador, strengthening the friendship between our peoples,” he added.
He made the remarks at a time when Ghana’s creative sector is attracting increasing attention as a contributor to employment, investment and international visibility.
Among the recent milestones in the growing relationship was the maiden Russian Film Festival organised in Accra in June this year with support from the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC).
The event introduced local audiences to Russian filmmaking and cultural heritage through films presented with English subtitles.
According to the ambassador, cinema remains one of the most effective instruments for promoting understanding among people from different parts of the world.
He explained that the festival was organised following growing curiosity among Ghanaians about Russian language, traditions and filmmaking.
”Films allow viewers to gain an insight into the soul of another nation and to learn more about its history, culture and traditions. They foster friendship and mutual understanding,” he said.
Following the positive response to the inaugural event, organisers are preparing another edition before the close of 2026, together with practical training sessions and closer cooperation between film professionals from both countries.
Mr Ordash disclosed that discussions are progressing on exchange opportunities involving UniMAC and Russian institutions renowned for film, theatre and creative education, including the GITIS Theatre Institute.
He observed that exposing students and filmmakers to different societies would enrich their perspectives and encourage genuine cross-cultural understanding.
”A young Russian filmmaker working in Ghana will see the country not through the lens of stereotypes, but through first-hand experience.
Similarly, a Ghanaian student in Russia will be able to get to know our country and culture from the inside,” he explained.
Beyond educational and artistic cooperation, the ambassador indicated that Russia also intends to expand investment partnerships and business collaboration with Ghana.
He said Moscow is willing to support strategic development initiatives, including the government’s proposed 24-hour economy policy.
Mr Ordash further identified the third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled for October 28 and 29 in Moscow, as a significant opportunity for African countries and Russia to conclude new agreements and define future areas of cooperation.
Expressing optimism about the future of bilateral relations, the ambassador said both countries could build a partnership founded on equality, mutual confidence and practical results that improve the lives of their citizens.
”My vision is for relations based on mutual respect, sovereign equality and practical cooperation. We can build a partnership that will bring tangible benefits to ordinary people and open up new horizons for young people,” he concluded.
The renewed emphasis on education, creativity and investment reflects a broader effort to diversify Ghana-Russia relations beyond traditional diplomacy while creating opportunities for collaboration in the arts, innovation and enterprise.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong