Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to peace, security, and sustainable development in Africa, highlighting the country’s priorities at the 7th AU–EU Summit in Luanda, Angola.
Addressing the summit, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reflected on the AU–EU partnership, describing it as “built on shared values and a commitment to development.”
She conveyed warm greetings from President John Dramani Mahama and congratulated Angola on 50 years of independence.
She highlighted the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) as a major achievement, enabling African-led responses to conflicts across the continent.
However, she acknowledged that Africa continues to face challenges, including climate shocks, geopolitical tensions, and piracy, stressing the need for “urgent, coordinated action.”
The Vice President emphasized Ghana’s renewed confidence as it enters the summit, citing the country’s 2026 budget which focuses on restoring macroeconomic stability, investing in infrastructure, and prioritizing jobs and human capital.
She noted that these pillars “strengthen Ghana’s ability to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s transformation agenda,” and called for sustained financial, technical, and logistical support from partners to reinforce the AU’s Peace and Security Protocol.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also addressed West Africa’s challenges, including violent extremism driven by poverty and exclusion, announcing Ghana’s plan to convene a regional meeting to improve coordination on security issues.
The Vice President welcomed the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative and its €150 billion commitment to Africa’s sustainable development.
She also highlighted specific Ghanaian priorities for EU support, including an “EU waiver for offshore patrols,” assistance to replace critical components of the Kpone Hydro Dam, and support for the Damongo Water Facility.
In addition, she underscored Ghana’s role as the African Union Champion for the Year for Reparations in 2025, preparing to table a UN resolution recognizing the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade as “one of history’s gravest crimes against humanity,” and urged European partners to join as co-authors.
She also commended the European Group for their support of the Africa Group at the UN Human Rights Council.
