Ensuring Safety and Opportunities for Ghanaian Students in Russia
The Centre for Public Diplomacy (CPD), a think tank, has emphasized that Russia remains a safe destination for Ghanaian students. This assurance comes as a delegation from leading Russian universities visits Ghana to enhance academic cooperation and create more study opportunities.
The visiting delegation includes representatives from Novosibirsk State Technical University (NSTU NETI), Saint Petersburg State University (SPbU), and the Russian University of Transport (MIIT). These institutions are part of the Consortium of Russian Universities for Cooperation with African Countries, an initiative established under the CPD to foster educational collaboration across Africa.
At a media briefing in Accra, Mr. Micah Zing, Director of International Communications and Co-Founder of the CPD Representative Office in Ghana, addressed concerns about the safety of Russian cities. He highlighted that public perceptions often do not align with the lived experiences of Ghanaian students and residents. According to him, students are located in cities far from the conflict zones in Ukraine, and university systems have mechanisms in place to support student welfare and safety.
“I have been in Russia for the past four or five years, including when the crisis began. Students are safe. Russia is a safe place for people to live in,” he stated. “What we hear or see in the media is not necessarily what is happening. Many of us believed Russia was not safe until we got there. But the country has put in measures to ensure that students do not go across jurisdictions that could put them in difficult situations.”
The delegation is set to hold discussions with several Ghanaian institutions, including the University of Ghana, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Valley View University, University of Education, Winneba, Prempeh College, and the University for Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) in Wa. The talks will focus on joint academic programs, Russian language training, student and faculty exchanges, and research cooperation.
Mr. Zing explained that the CPD collaborates closely with the Russian Embassy in Accra and the Ghanaian Embassy in Moscow to ensure that students have access to necessary support systems. He mentioned that the CPD provides contact lines for students to reach out with issues related to visas, academics, or adaptation challenges.
Dr. Natalia Krasovskaya, Executive Director of the CPD, Russia, noted that while opportunities for Ghanaian students in Russia continue to grow, language remains a significant barrier. She pointed out that universities require basic proficiency in Russian. To address this, the CPD has initiated training programs for students before they travel to ensure smooth academic integration.
“The quality of Russian education is very high but the cost is low,” she said.
The Centre for Public Diplomacy is implementing the “Partner Russian Houses” initiative, which aims to strengthen humanitarian and educational cooperation between Russia and African countries. This initiative focuses on expanding access to Russian language education, promoting cultural and knowledge exchange, and developing long-term academic partnerships.
Through these efforts, the CPD is working to bridge gaps and foster meaningful academic and cultural ties between Russia and Ghana. As the collaboration continues to grow, it is expected to open new doors for students and scholars from both nations.