Ghana’s Majdoub Kenneth Sails to the North Pole on Rosatom’s ‘Icebreaker of Knowledge’ Expedition

By Justice Ahoto

Ghana is being represented for the first time at Rosatom’s prestigious international Arctic expedition, the Icebreaker of Knowledge, as 16-year-old Majdoub Kenneth joins 65 other students from 20 countries on a scientific and educational voyage to the North Pole.

The sixth edition of the expedition, organised by the Atomic Energy Information Centres network with the support of Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom, set sail from Murmansk on August 13. It coincides with two historic milestones — the 80th anniversary of Russia’s nuclear industry and the 500th anniversary of the Northern Sea Route.

Participants will travel aboard a nuclear-powered icebreaker from Murmansk to the North Pole, continuing to Franz Josef Land before returning on August 22, Russia’s State Flag Day. The programme blends exploration with learning, featuring lectures and demonstrations by scientists, engineers, space technology experts, and prominent science communicators. Students will also witness the Arctic’s pristine landscapes, stand at the geographical North Pole — where all Earth’s meridians converge — and test Russian rovers in extreme polar conditions.

Kenneth described the journey as “eye-opening and inspiring,” adding that the warm welcome in Murmansk had made the long trip worthwhile. “Meeting new people and exploring the city’s history has been a truly unique experience. I am both excited and a little anxious about what lies ahead,” he said.

Rosatom officials say this year’s selection process was the most competitive yet, attracting over 67,000 applicants globally — including 4,000 from outside Russia — for just 66 spots. Applicants were shortlisted through multi-stage evaluations, national science competitions, and the Rosatom Junior Movement.

Grigory Gurov, head of Russia’s Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, likened visiting the North Pole to “going into space,” calling it a rare opportunity reserved for the “best of the best.” Yakov Antonov, Director General of Atomflot, noted that Russia’s nuclear icebreaker fleet — the only one in the world — stands as a symbol of Arctic exploration and technological achievement.

Since its launch, the Icebreaker of Knowledge project has taken more than 400 talented students on Arctic expeditions. This year’s voyage is part of preparations for Russia’s national celebrations of the Northern Sea Route’s 500th anniversary, first conceived in 1525 as a maritime link between Russia and China.

The expedition underscores Rosatom’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers, while showcasing the strategic and environmental significance of the Arctic.