By Rachel Quartey & Rukayatu Musah
Ghana has become the first African country to sign a landmark Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union, marking a major step toward strengthening regional stability and border protection.
The agreement, signed in Accra between European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas and Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, was accompanied by the handover of critical security and intelligence equipment to support national efforts.
Prior to the ceremony, a European Union delegation led by Ms. Kallas paid a courtesy call on the Vice President at the Presidency, where discussions focused on deepening bilateral ties and enhancing security cooperation. The agreement was later sealed at a brief durbar at the National Security Council Secretariat.
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang underscored the importance of sustained international collaboration, especially in light of emerging threats along Ghana’s northern frontier.
“Recent developments along our northern borders highlight the urgent need for stronger partnerships. This agreement will play a critical role in addressing evolving security threats and maintaining peace and stability,” she said.
She also acknowledged the European Union’s continued support through key initiatives, including the European Peace Facility and the EU Security and Defence Initiative.
“The Government and people of Ghana acknowledge the European Union’s support. I am informed that there are over 30 security-related projects addressing conflicts, counterterrorism, border management, maritime and cyber security,” she noted.
The Vice President further revealed that the EU Security and Defence Initiative in the Gulf of Guinea has delivered extensive training for Ghana’s security agencies.
“About 40 training sessions have been conducted for Ghana’s military and civilian security actors, alongside the provision of equipment to enhance their operations,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang added.
She said these interventions are significantly strengthening Ghana’s capacity to respond to evolving security challenges, particularly amid rising instability in parts of the Sahel.
European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas described the agreement as a strategic milestone in EU–Ghana relations, stressing that the partnership would strengthen joint efforts to combat emerging threats across the region. She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Ghana and its neighbours in safeguarding borders and promoting stability.
She further highlighted the importance of intelligence sharing and coordinated action, noting that the partnership would deepen cooperation in counterterrorism, maritime security and cyber defence, while helping to build resilient security institutions across West Africa.
Ghana’s National Security Coordinator, COP Abdul-Osman Razak, assured that the equipment received would be effectively deployed to strengthen surveillance and rapid response capabilities, particularly along vulnerable border areas.
The ceremony concluded with an inspection of the equipment by officials, underscoring the practical impact of the partnership in enhancing Ghana’s security infrastructure.
