Ghana and the European Union have marked 50 years of diplomatic partnership with renewed commitments to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, governance and development.
The anniversary celebration, held at the EU Residence in Accra as part of the 2026 Europe Day Reception, brought together government officials, diplomats, traditional authorities and members of the diplomatic corps under the theme “Golden Bridges.”
Addressing guests at the event, the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, described the Ghana-EU relationship as one built on trust, shared values and decades of collaboration.
He noted that despite the transformation Accra has experienced over the years, Ghana’s spirit of hospitality and openness has remained constant.
Mr. Skinnebach said the celebration was not only about reflecting on the past but also about strengthening future cooperation between Ghana and the European Union in an increasingly interconnected global environment.
He explained that Europe Day commemorates the 1950 Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for the formation of the European Union and promoted peace through cooperation after World War II.
The Ambassador also referenced the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying the war continued to highlight the importance of international law, peace and global stability.
According to him, Ghana remains one of the European Union’s most reliable partners in Africa.
“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 stated.
Mr. Skinnebach further highlighted the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Package for Africa, a major initiative expected to mobilise 150 billion Euros for infrastructure and sustainable development projects across the continent.
He disclosed that Ghana had already secured more than one billion Euros under the initiative, with additional investments expected in sectors including energy, transport, digitalisation, education and governance reforms.
Representing the Government of Ghana, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, praised the European Union for what she described as five decades of meaningful partnership with Ghana.
She said the relationship had evolved beyond development support into broader collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, democratic 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 reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to creating a stable and transparent environment to attract investments and strengthen institutions.
She also welcomed the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, expressing optimism that future Ghana-EU engagements would create new opportunities in climate action, trade facilitation, digital transformation and security cooperation.
Beyond the diplomatic speeches, the event also turned into a cultural showcase as 14 EU member states represented in Ghana displayed various European cuisines, beverages and traditions.
Guests were treated to a lively atmosphere filled with music, dance and cultural exchanges, with legendary Ghanaian highlife musician Kojo Antwi providing entertainment on the night.
By Wisdom Sarfo
