By James Amoh Junior
Accra, May 8, GNA – Ghana and the European Union in Ghana on Thursday reaffirmed their longstanding partnership and commitment to deeper cooperation at the 2026 Europe Day Reception in Accra.
The event, hosted at the EU Residence in Accra, brought together diplomats, government officials, traditional leaders, development partners and members of the diplomatic corps to celebrate 50 years of the European Union’s physical presence in Ghana under the theme: “Golden Bridges.”
Mr Rune Skinnebach, EU Ambassador to Ghana, speaking at the reception, described the celebration as a reflection of a strong and enduring partnership built on shared values, mutual respect and cooperation.
The evening unfolded into a colourful celebration of culture, music and culinary diversity.
Fourteen EU member states represented in Ghana transformed the reception grounds into a mosaic of European tastes and traditions, serving guests a rich assortment of delicacies and beverages from across their continent.
Patrons moved from stand to stand sampling cuisines that reflected Europe’s cultural diversity, while conversations flowed freely under the warm Accra evening sky.
As the smooth rhythms of legendary Ghanaian highlife icon Kojo Antwi floated through the venue, diplomats, dignitaries and guests swayed gently to familiar melodies that have defined generations of Ghanaian music lovers.
The music dissolved diplomatic formality into shared human connection, turning the elegant reception into a lively cultural communion where Europe met Ghana through rhythm, nostalgia and dance.
The Europe Day celebration is observed annually on May 9 to commemorate the formation of the European Union and the ideals of peace, solidarity and cooperation championed by the Schuman Declaration of 1950.
Mr Skinnebach noted that although Accra had undergone massive transformation over the years, Ghana’s warmth, generosity and hospitality remained unchanged.
He said Europe Day commemorated the famous Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for the European Union after World War II and promoted peace through cooperation rather than conflict.
“For over four years, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has reminded us of the importance of peace, stability and international law, and of why we must defend Europe,” he stated.
The Ambassador stressed that in an increasingly interconnected world, partnerships between countries sharing common principles and democratic values had become more critical than ever.
He described Ghana as one of the EU’s most trusted partners in Africa and reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s development agenda.
“After 50 years of physical presence here in Ghana, we are still the number one development and security partner to Ghana, the number one investor in Ghana, and the number one export market for Ghana,” he said.
Mr Skinnebach highlighted the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Package for Africa, which seeks to mobilise 150 billion Euros for sustainable investments across the continent.
According to him, Ghana stood to benefit significantly from investments in transport infrastructure, energy, digitalisation, education, skills development and governance reforms.
“Already over one billion is allocated to Ghana, and more is on its way,” he disclosed.
Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, representing the Government of Ghana, commended the European Union in Ghana for five decades of partnership and cooperation with Ghana.
She said the relationship between Ghana and the EU had evolved beyond development assistance into broader collaboration in trade, investment, governance, security and cultural exchange.
“The relationship between Ghana and the European Union is built on trust, shared values and mutual respect,” she said.
Dr Lartey acknowledged the EU’s support towards Ghana’s democratic governance, rule of law and human rights promotion, describing the partnership as strategic and beneficial.
She said Ghana remained committed to creating an enabling environment for investments through transparency, macroeconomic stability and stronger institutions.
“We see the European Union not only as a partner in development but also as a partner of our progress,” she added.
The Minister also welcomed the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and expressed optimism that upcoming Ghana-EU partnership dialogues would unlock new opportunities in climate action, trade facilitation, security and digital transformation.
GNA
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong