President John Dramani Mahama has called for a deepened European Union-Ghana defence cooperation to combat the growing threats of violent extremism in the West African sub-region.
Ghana, a beacon of peace, according to President Mahama, needs to strengthen its national security amid the growing threats of violence in West Africa.
Speaking at the 2025 Ghana-EU Partnership Dialogue in Accra Tuesday, June 17, 2025, President Mahama said “Ghana remains a beacon of peace, but the urgency of regional instability compels us to fortify our national security and expand our role in collective defence frameworks.”
The President’s address also focused on the country’s strong partnership commitment to the European Union, highlighting the gains the government has chalked within the few months in office, and called on investors to take advantage of the economic resilience that has been built so far.
He also spoke on Ghana’s quest for energy transition and green growth which targets a net-zero emissions by 2060.
President Mahama pointed to initiatives such as the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and the country’s strategic mineral resources as key drivers of future collaboration with the EU in renewable energy and electric vehicle assembly.
In the area of migration and labour mobility, the President cited the ATUU project, launched with EU support in March 2025, as a model for safe and humane migration.
He also announced Ghana’s readiness to establish structured labour mobility agreements with EU countries facing skilled labour shortages.
On his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who hosted the event, hailed President Mahama’s presence, saying it is “a strong signal of the high level priority Ghana places on EU relations.”
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the shared pillars guiding the dialogue – socio-economic development, peace and security, international governance, and green sustainability.
“Our deliberations today are framed by President Mahama’s vision for a modern, inclusive, and economically empowered Ghana,” Mr. Ablakwa said.
“The Mahama Administration’s openness and diplomatic engagement, particularly with the EU, reflects the urgency with which we are pursuing strategic partnerships to meet the expectations of our people,” the Foreign Minister said.
Ablakwa noted that Ghana had already resolved key outstanding issues with EU member states, including land title challenges with the Lands Commission, and expressed appreciation for EU support in security logistics and intelligence sharing.
Irchad Razaaly, EU Ambassador to Ghana, commended Ghana’s democratic resilience and growing regional leadership.
“The Ghana-EU partnership is stronger than ever. We are proud to stand by Ghana not only in infrastructure and green growth, but also in shaping the regional and global agenda,” he said.
The Ambassador referenced landmark achievements, such as the Kaleo Solar Plant and the €62 million retrofitting of the Kpong Dam, as evidence of the EU’s long-term commitment.
He stressed that true partnership must be defined by shared goals, not dependency.
“It is not about charity or buying reforms,” he said, and that “It is about mutual respect, co-investment, and strategic trust.”
Ambassador Razaaly pledged continued EU support for Ghana’s economic transformation, vaccine production capacity, and governance reforms, including the Affirmative Action Act.
Mahama urges European investors to tap into Ghana’s improved business environment
