Ghana and the European Union (EU) have signed a historic security and defence partnership agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation to address evolving security threats in West Africa. The agreement, the first of its kind in Africa, will focus on counter-terrorism, conflict prevention, extremism, border management, and maritime security.
The Vice President of Ghana, Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, signed on behalf of Ghana, while the High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission, Ms Kaja Kallas, signed for the EU. As part of the partnership, the EU also donated a range of security equipment to Ghana.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Opoku Agyemang highlighted that the agreement reflects the long-standing relationship between Ghana and the EU, and their shared commitment to peace, stability, and sustainable development. She noted that Ghana is the first African country to enter such a partnership with the EU, joining nations like the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and Norway in enhancing security cooperation.
The Vice President stressed that the agreement comes at a critical time as the West African sub-region continues to face complex and emerging threats, particularly in the Sahel. She cited recent attacks on Ghanaian traders in Burkina Faso as a reminder of the growing insecurity in the region and the need for coordinated action.
“The partnership will enhance Ghana’s capacity in crisis response, intelligence gathering, and peace operations, while reaffirming our commitment to addressing the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, marginalisation, and youth unemployment,” Prof. Opoku Agyemang said.
Ms Kallas emphasized that the agreement allows closer collaboration on key areas such as counter-terrorism, conflict prevention, and cyber security—issues that matter to citizens in both Europe and Ghana.
“What you see here today is a tangible demonstration of what our partnership can deliver,” she said, noting EU support for Ghana’s military operations in the northern regions and across the Gulf of Guinea to strengthen border and maritime security.
The National Security Coordinator, COP Osman Abdul Razak, stated that the partnership reflects a shared resolve to enhance coordination and build resilience against evolving security challenges, particularly in West Africa and the Sahel. He noted that this collaboration is part of President John Dramani Mahama’s broader efforts to review strategic alliances and strengthen the capacity of Ghana’s security and intelligence agencies.
This agreement positions Ghana as a regional leader in security cooperation with international partners and underscores the importance of multilateral approaches in addressing cross-border threats.
BY CLIFF EKUFUL
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