At the 7th African Union–European Union Summit, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang delivered a powerful message on behalf of President John Mahama, calling on African and European leaders to intensify their joint efforts against violent extremism.
Highlighting the growing insecurity in West Africa, she proposed a dedicated regional meeting to find targeted solutions to the pressing threat.
“Extremist groups continue to exploit poverty, marginalisation, and political fragility across our sub-region,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang warned. “Ghana is proposing a focused meeting on violent extremism to tackle the root causes of insecurity through regional unity and community-based peace-building.”
Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to a revitalised AU–EU partnership, the Vice President emphasised the importance of shared values, equity, and mutual respect. She recalled the vision adopted at the 2022 AU–EU Summit, reiterating Ghana’s role in Africa’s transformation agenda, the strengthening of governance systems, and support for regional economic communities.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also pointed to Ghana’s recent progress in stabilising its economy, mentioning declining inflation, a steadying cedi, and ongoing public financial management reforms. Outlining Ghana’s national development priorities for 2026, she listed:
Infrastructure and connectivity to accelerate economic growth
Job creation and human capital development for inclusive prosperity
Enhanced stability and confidence in governance and fiscal management
On the broader security landscape, the Vice President praised the African Peace and Security Architecture as a significant achievement but cautioned that climate change, political unrest, and maritime threats are deepening humanitarian challenges across the continent. She called for renewed commitment to peace-building and resilience.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang commended the European Union’s Global Gateway Initiative, which pledges €150 billion to Africa, particularly in renewable energy and digital infrastructure. She highlighted Ghana’s own priorities under the programme, such as the hydro dam and Wongbo water facility, and advocated for support of an AU waiver on offshore patrols to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
In a historic announcement, she revealed Ghana’s intention to introduce a United Nations resolution on reparations for the trans-Atlantic slave trade, inviting European partners to join as co-sponsors. She described the slave trade as “one of humanity’s gravest injustices.”
Citing the late Kofi Annan, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reminded summit attendees: “There can be no development without security, no security without development, and neither without respect for human rights.”
She concluded her remarks by urging Africa and Europe to transform policy commitments into concrete action, insisting that peace, opportunity, and stability must drive the next phase of the AU–EU partnership. Only through a strong and collaborative relationship, she asserted, can the two continents deliver sustainable prosperity for their people.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
