Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has placed the fight against violent extremism at the forefront of Ghana’s agenda.
Speaking on behalf of President John Mahama at the 7th African Union–European Union Summit in Luanda, Angola, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang proposed a regional meeting to address the growing threats in West Africa, stressing that extremist networks continue to exploit poverty, exclusion, and political instability.
“Ghana is proposing a focused meeting on violent extremism to tackle the root causes of insecurity through regional unity and community-based peacebuilding,” she said.
The Vice President reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to a stronger AU–EU partnership grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and collective prosperity.
She recalled the vision endorsed at the 2022 AU–EU Summit for a balanced and purposeful partnership between the continents, stressing Ghana’s readiness to support Africa’s transformation agenda, strengthen the African Governance Architecture, and empower regional economic communities.
On domestic priorities, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang highlighted Ghana’s progress in restoring stability and confidence, pointing to declining inflation and a stabilised cedi as outcomes of ongoing fiscal and public financial management reforms.
She said the 2026 agenda will centre on expanding infrastructure and connectivity to spur economic growth, creating jobs and investing in human capital for inclusive prosperity, and maintaining stability and confidence in governance and financial management.
Highlighting the African Peace and Security Architecture, she praised it as “one of our continent’s major achievements,” but warned that climate shocks, political tensions, and piracy are deepening humanitarian crises that require urgent action.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also welcomed the European Union’s Global Gateway Initiative and its €150 billion pledge for Africa’s sustainable development, particularly in green energy and digital services. She referenced Ghana’s priority projects, including the hydro dam and Wongbo water facility, and called for support for an AU waiver on offshore patrols to strengthen maritime security.
On justice and human rights, she announced Ghana’s intention to table a UN resolution on reparations, recognising the trans-Atlantic slave trade as one of the gravest crimes against humanity, and invited European partners to join as co-authors.
Quoting former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, she reminded leaders:
“There can be no development without security, no security without development, and neither without respect for human rights.”
She concluded by urging Africa and Europe to turn commitments into concrete action, securing peace through opportunity and advancing development through stability, stressing that only a strong, cooperative AU–EU partnership can deliver lasting prosperity for both continents.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
