By: Hannah Dadzie
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has reaffirmed Ghana’s unwavering commitment to deepening strategic cooperation with the European Union (EU), describing the longstanding partnership as a vital pillar of Ghana’s foreign policy and national development agenda.
Speaking at the 2025 Ghana-EU Partnership Dialogue held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra, Mr. Ablakwa lauded the EU as Ghana’s largest multilateral development and trade partner, and emphasized the importance of the Dialogue in shaping the future of bilateral relations.
“This annual engagement provides a valuable platform for both sides to assess progress, resolve outstanding issues, and explore new areas of cooperation, particularly under the renewed vision of the Mahama administration,” the Minister stated.
The Dialogue brought together government officials, ambassadors of EU member states, heads of missions, and key stakeholders. President John Dramani Mahama was present, signaling the importance his government places on international diplomacy, especially with the EU bloc.
Mr Ablakwa highlighted four priority areas forming the backbone of discussions: Socio-Economic Partnership, Peace and Security, International Governance and Human Rights, and Green Growth and Sustainability.
Under the socio-economic pillar, the Minister called for enhanced EU support in higher education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). He cited the EU-funded SHINE project involving Suame Technical Institute as a model, and advocated for expanded access to Erasmus Mundus scholarships, especially in STEM fields and medicine.
He also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to positioning itself as a regional industrial hub through AfCFTA.
“Our strategy is focused on diversification, regional value chain development, and sustainable job creation. The EU remains a key ally in this journey.” He added
Addressing peace and security, the Minister thanked the EU for its recent donation of security equipment and intelligence support under the European Union Peace Fund. He emphasized Ghana’s leadership role in regional stability and the need for continuous collaboration to address threats from the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea.
On migration, Mr Ablakwa reiterated Ghana’s commitment to humane and rights-based approaches.
“We urge the EU to support alternatives to detention, ensure humane reception systems, and assist with the ongoing evacuation of Ghanaians from crisis zones in Iran and Israel,” he appealed.
Touching on climate action, the Foreign Affairs Minister stressed the urgency of bold, joint efforts to tackle environmental degradation. He urged the EU to support Ghana in accessing climate finance and carbon market opportunities.
“We also need support in President Mahama’s uncompromising fight against illegal mining, which is critical to our environmental sustainability,” he noted.
Mr Ablakwa expressed optimism that the outcomes of the 2025 Dialogue would reflect progress made in previous years and explore innovative paths forward. He praised the efforts of Ghanaian stakeholders and EU partners for organizing a successful event and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working with the EU in a spirit of mutual respect and shared purpose.
“Our goal is clear, build a safer, greener, and more prosperous world for all,” he affirmed.
EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, praised the deepening relations between Ghana and the EU, describing them as stronger than ever. He emphasized the EU’s intention to deepen collaboration through regular, structured dialogue across priority areas such as sustainability, trade, and governance. He proposed quarterly technical-level meetings to ensure consistent engagement and implementation of shared priorities.
“This partnership is not about charity or imposing reforms. It is rooted in mutual respect, shared goals, and a common vision for prosperity, security, and sustainability.”Ambassador Razaaly stressed
The Ambassador highlighted the EU’s significant support for Ghana’s economic transformation, particularly through infrastructure investments, education, and the flagship Global Gateway initiative. He cited ongoing support in areas such as water access, education, and local value addition, expressing confidence that these investments will accelerate Ghana’s development.
He also underscored Ghana’s growing leadership role on the continent, both as a beacon of democracy and as a regional hub for innovation and security. He commended Ghana’s peaceful electoral processes and acknowledged its role in producing life-saving vaccines with EU and German support—investments totaling €55 million to enhance Africa’s vaccine self-reliance.
“Ghana is not only producing for itself, but for the region and the continent. This is a remarkable achievement that will break the cycle of dependency” He said
The annual Ghana-EU Partnership Dialogue remains a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, providing a platform to reflect on shared values and drive strategic initiatives that benefit both sides.
