Ghana has called for a dedicated regional summit to confront the rising threat of violent extremism in West Africa, warning that poverty, exclusion and political instability continue to fuel extremist networks across the sub-region.
Addressing the 7th African Union–European Union Summit in Luanda, Angola, Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, speaking on behalf of President John Mahama urged African and European leaders to unite behind a more coordinated security response.
“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.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to a revitalised AU–EU partnership built on mutual respect, shared values and collective prosperity. She recalled the vision adopted at the 2022 AU–EU Summit for a balanced and purposeful relationship, emphasising Ghana’s readiness to support Africa’s transformation agenda, strengthen the African Governance Architecture and work closely with regional economic communities.
Turning to domestic progress, the Vice President said Ghana has made steady gains in restoring macroeconomic stability. Inflation has eased, the cedi has stabilised and public financial management reforms are beginning to restore confidence. She outlined three priority pillars guiding Ghana’s 2026 agenda:
Infrastructure and connectivity to drive economic growth.
Jobs and human capital development to ensure inclusive prosperity, and
Stability and sound governance to sustain economic resilience.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang praised the African Peace and Security Architecture as “one of our continent’s major achievements,” but cautioned that climate shocks, political tensions, and maritime piracy are worsening humanitarian conditions, demanding urgent collective action.
She welcomed the EU’s €150 billion Global Gateway Initiative, describing it as a critical vehicle for Africa’s green energy and digital transformation.
Highlighting Ghana’s priority areas including the proposed hydro dam and the Wongbo water facility. She also appealed for EU backing for an AU waiver on offshore patrols to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
On justice and human rights, the Vice President announced Ghana’s intention to table a UN resolution on reparations for the trans-Atlantic slave trade, calling it “one of the gravest crimes against humanity,” and urged European partners to join as co-authors.
Quoting former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, she reminded the Summit that:
“There can be no development without security, no security without development and neither without respect for human rights.”
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang closed with a call for Africa and Europe to translate commitments into concrete action, insisting that only a strong and cooperative AU–EU partnership can secure peace, stability, and long-term prosperity for both continents.
