Accra, March 11, – The European Union (EU) has agreed to sign a security and defence partnership with Ghana, the first of its kind between the Union and an African country.
The partnership aims to strengthen Ghana’s national and sub-national early warning and response systems, as well as community-led conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms.
Mr Jonas Claes, Charge d’Affaires of the EU Delegation to Ghana, announced the development at a Steering Committee meeting of the EU Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security and Governance (EPSG) Project in Accra, stressing the need to reinforce mechanisms that enhance regional stability.
Launched in 2024, the EPSG Project supports ECOWAS by addressing security and governance challenges, including early conflict detection, security sector reform, electoral support, and inclusive peace processes. The project contributes to a more stable, democratic, and resilient West African sub-region.
Ghana, regarded as an oasis of peace in a region facing rising terrorism and violent extremism, has been a key pillar of regional integration. The country continues to co-implement EU security initiatives designed to raise awareness about the links between security, governance, and sustainable development.
“The EU remains fully committed to this partnership, and we look forward to its continuation in the years ahead,” Mr Claes stated. He emphasised that violent extremism, political instability, and disinformation cannot be addressed by any country alone, requiring coordination, solidarity, and collective action.
Mr Claes also lauded President John Mahama for leading efforts to reintegrate Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali into ECOWAS, thereby enhancing regional cohesion.
Mr Frederik Landshöft, German Ambassador to Ghana, noted Germany’s long-standing support for the Ghana Armed Forces and other security institutions, enabling Ghana to play a leading role in ECOWAS, West Africa, and within the African Union. He emphasised that human-centred security, local capacity building, and sustainable solutions are critical for peace and development, particularly in border communities.
The EPSG Project, commissioned by Germany and co-financed by the EU, is implemented through a Team Europe approach by international NGOs GIZ, EF, and FIAP, in partnership with ECOWAS. The Steering Committee functions as the main governance and oversight body, bringing stakeholders together to review progress, discuss strategic direction, and guide project implementation.
GHBUSS
11 March 2026
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