Ghana and EU Sign First-Ever Security and Defence Partnership in Africa

Ghana and the European Union have formalized a historic security and defence partnership, marking the first such agreement between the EU and any African country.

The agreement was signed during a high-level visit by EU Vice President Kaja Kallas, who met with Ghana’s Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang at the Jubilee House, before continuing discussions at the National Security Council Secretariat.

Kallas described the partnership as a major milestone, highlighting its role in strengthening cooperation on counterterrorism, cybersecurity, conflict prevention, and border and maritime security. She emphasized that security in Europe and Africa is closely linked and stressed the need for robust alliances amid rising regional threats, citing recent violence in Burkina Faso.

Vice President Opoku-Agyemang welcomed the agreement, noting that peace and security are fundamental to economic growth, cultural exchange, and overall development. She underlined Ghana’s long-standing relationship with the EU and the potential of the partnership to enhance crisis response, peace operations, and capacity building.

At the National Security Council Secretariat, officials highlighted EU support over the years—including training programmes and equipment donations—that has strengthened Ghana’s security and intelligence capabilities. The partnership also includes the provision of vehicles, drones, communication systems, and motorcycles to improve operational readiness.

Currently, over 30 EU-backed security projects are active in Ghana, covering counterterrorism, border management, maritime security, and cybersecurity, alongside numerous training initiatives for both military and civilian personnel.

Building on prior collaborations under initiatives such as the European Peace Facility, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to addressing the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, marginalization, and youth unemployment. Both Ghana and the EU expressed optimism that the agreement will deepen cooperation and promote peace and stability across Ghana and the broader West African region.