By James Amoh Junior – [email protected]
Accra, May 5, GNA – The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening security and economic cooperation with Ghana.
The EU cited growing global instability and regional security threats as key drivers of the partnership.
Speaking at a media engagement in Accra to launch Europe Month, the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, said the evolving global order required stronger alliances between like-minded partners to safeguard peace, democracy, and economic resilience.
“The world is becoming increasingly fragmented, and in such a context, partnerships are not optional, they are essential,” he stated.
Ambassador Skinnebach pointed to rising insecurity in the Sahel region, particularly developments in Mali, as a matter of concern, warning of the potential for spill over into coastal states including Ghana.
He said the EU was actively supporting Ghana’s efforts to maintain stability through enhanced cooperation in defence and security, including logistics and equipment support under the EU-Ghana Security and Defence Partnership.
According to him, the EU had also prioritised development interventions in northern Ghana to address socio-economic vulnerabilities that could expose communities to extremist recruitment and cross-border crime.
“Security is not only about military response; it is also about creating opportunities and addressing the root causes of instability,” he said.
The Ambassador emphasised that the EU’s approach to Ghana had shifted from traditional development assistance to a more strategic and political partnership anchored on shared interests.
He explained that Ghana and the EU were increasingly collaborating on global issues such as climate change, transnational crime, and economic stability, with structured dialogues expected to shape future cooperation.
These include upcoming engagements on security and defence, economic governance, and climate and energy.
On the economic front, Ambassador Skinnebach described Ghana as a key partner and highlighted the EU’s role as the country’s largest export market and one of its biggest investors.
He noted that trade relations between the two sides were relatively balanced compared to Ghana’s engagements with other global partners, stressing that the EU’s trade policies offered Ghanaian businesses predictable access to European markets.
He, however, cautioned that Ghana’s economic gains must be sustained through structural reforms, particularly in domestic revenue mobilisation and diversification of the economy.
“The current progress is encouraging, but it is built on fragile pillars, including commodity prices. The challenge is to make growth more resilient and inclusive,” he said.
He also addressed concerns about the EU’s perceived lack of visibility in Ghana, especially in comparison to other international partners involved in infrastructure development.
He attributed this to the EU’s approach of working through government systems and prioritising impact over publicity but acknowledged the need to improve public awareness of EU contributions.
“We are not always the most visible, but we are consistent and reliable. That is what defines our partnership,” he said.
He disclosed that the EU was implementing a wide range of programmes in Ghana, including job creation initiatives expected to generate over 100,000 employment opportunities, vocational training schemes, and major infrastructure projects.
These include investments in transport corridors, water systems, and health infrastructure, particularly in vaccine production.
He stressed that accountability remained central to EU-funded programmes, noting that projects must demonstrate measurable impact for both Ghanaian beneficiaries and European taxpayers.
“We are accountable for every euro spent, and that means ensuring that projects deliver real value to the people,” he said.
Ambassador Skinnebach highlighted the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which seeks to mobilise large-scale investments in Africa to support sustainable development and high-quality infrastructure.
He said the initiative reflected a broader shift in the EU’s engagement with Africa, from aid to investment and partnership.
On Ghana’s geopolitical positioning, the Ambassador described the country as an “island of stability” in a volatile region and underscored the importance of maintaining that status through strategic partnerships.
He noted that Ghana’s long-standing foreign policy of non-alignment must now be navigated within a more complex global landscape.
“In today’s world, no country can stand alone. Even strong democracies like Ghana need reliable partners,” he said.
The media engagement formed part of activities marking Europe Month, which celebrates the EU’s presence and partnership with Ghana over the past five decades.
It also provided a platform for journalists to engage directly with the Ambassador on key issues affecting EU-Ghana relations.
The Ambassador called on the media to play a critical role in shaping public understanding of international partnerships, particularly at a time that global dynamics were rapidly evolving.
“The media are essential partners in ensuring that citizens understand what these partnerships mean for their lives and their future,” he said.
The Europe Month celebrations will continue with a series of diplomatic, cultural, and sporting events, aimed at strengthening ties between the EU and Ghana and promoting people-to-people engagement.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba
May 5, 2026