Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called for a new era of global cooperation rooted in fairness and mutual respect. Speaking at the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels on Thursday, she urged world leaders to pursue “true partnerships” where all countries have an equal voice.
“Is it a partnership where you have no voice? Is it a partnership where you don’t even decide how much you are selling your own goods for? These are the fundamental things we think deserve world dialogue,” she said.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that while Ghana remains open to cooperation, it will not accept arrangements that perpetuate inequality or economic dependency. She challenged African nations to seize the moment of shifting global power dynamics to become self-reliant and chart their own path toward prosperity.
“We need to move ourselves from a situation where we have been for too long a battleground for the ambitions of others,” she said. “It’s a question of processing your own resources and entering the market on equal terms so that the real peace of the world will be realized.”
Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in her keynote address, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthening global partnerships amid a rapidly changing economy. She noted that the Global Gateway Initiative has already mobilized over €306 billion in investments surpassing its initial €300 billion target set for 2027.
Von der Leyen underscored the importance of genuine collaboration based on respect, shared interests, and long-term commitment, highlighting ongoing EU partnerships across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
The Global Gateway Forum brings together world leaders, policymakers, and investors to explore strategies for sustainable development, enhance connectivity, and launch new international partnerships.
Story: Nancy Obimpeh
