By Hannah Dadzie
Ghana has called for a humane and balanced implementation of the European Union’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum, stressing the need for migration policies that protect human dignity while addressing irregular migration and human trafficking.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, made the call at the 2026 Ghana-European Union Partnership Dialogue in Accra, where he said Ghana is closely monitoring the new migration framework, which comes into force on June 12.
According to the Minister, Ghana has carefully studied the ten building blocks that make up the new pact and hopes its implementation will avoid approaches that unfairly target migrants and instead promote legal, orderly and mutually beneficial mobility.
“We are willing to work with the European Union to address irregular migration, but it is important that as we do so, we focus on areas where we share common interests,” he said.
Mr. Ablakwa noted that combating human trafficking remains a priority for Ghana and called for stronger laws and enforcement mechanisms to protect vulnerable people from exploitation. He also reiterated Ghana’s opposition to attempts by foreign actors to recruit young Africans into armed conflicts abroad.
The Minister said government had publicly condemned such practices and would continue engaging international partners to ensure African youth are not exploited to fight wars that do not concern them.
“We want migration to be regular, legal and beneficial to all parties. Young people on our continent should not be taken advantage of,” he stressed.
Mr. Ablakwa said migration, when properly managed, can contribute significantly to development by creating opportunities for skills exchange, employment and economic growth.
He added that Ghana remains committed to working with the European Union to promote safe migration pathways while tackling the root causes that drive people to undertake dangerous journeys.
The issue of migration featured prominently during the Ghana-EU Partnership Dialogue as both sides explored ways to strengthen cooperation in areas including security, economic development, trade and governance.
The dialogue comes at a time when migration remains a key policy issue for both Africa and Europe amid growing concerns over irregular migration routes, human trafficking networks and labour mobility.
Officials expressed optimism that continued engagement between Ghana and the European Union would help develop solutions that balance border management, economic opportunity and the protection of human rights.
