FULL TEXT: EU-Ghana Security and Defence Partnership

The European Union (EU) and the Republic of Ghana today signed a Security and Defence Partnership in Accra, marking a significant step forward in deepening their dialogue and cooperation on peace, security and defence.

The Security and Defence Partnership was signed by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, on behalf of the European Union, and the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

The EU and Ghana have a long-standing partnership rooted in shared values, a joint commitment to multilateralism, democracy, good governance and the rule of law. In an increasingly complex global and regional security environment, security and prosperity are closely interconnected. Together, the EU and Ghana are committed to addressing traditional and emerging threats, from regional instability and terrorism to hybrid and cyber threats or maritime security.

The Security and Defence Partnership builds on an already strong foundation of cooperation. The EU is Ghana’s primary security partner, notably through the European Peace Facility (EPF) and the EU Security and Defence Initiative (EUSDI) in the Gulf of Guinea. At the occasion of the signing of the Security and Defence Partnership, the High Representative handed over key military equipment as part of a EUR 50 million EPF package. The EU’s support will enhance the capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, while also a contributing to regional peace and stability. The package includes electronic warfare systems and explosive ordnance disposal equipment. 

High Representative Kaja Kallas said: “Security in Europe and Africa are directly connected. That is why we are signing the first Security and Defence Partnerships with an African nation – Ghana. Together, the EU and Ghana will work more closely on issues that matter to our citizens including counterterrorism, conflict prevention and cybersecurity. Our partnership is already bearing fruit, with the EU handing over additional military equipment to keep Ghanaians safe. Strong partnerships that deliver for both sides will always be the best route to mutual and durable security.”

A comprehensive and forward-looking Partnership

The Security and Defence Partnership establishes a structured and tailor-made framework to guide EU–Ghana cooperation across a broad range of peace, security and defence. A dedicated annual EU–Ghana Security and Defence Dialogue will ensure strategic direction, sustained political engagement and will steer implementation of the Partnership.

The Partnership reflects a shared understanding that security today extends beyond traditional defence, encompassing areas such as cybersecurity, hybrid threats, climate-related risks.

Key areas of cooperation include peacebuilding and crisis management, maritime security, including in the Gulf of Guinea, counterterrorism and prevention of violent extremism, countering hybrid threats and foreign and domestic information manipulation and interference, cybersecurity, conflict prevention and peace mediation, climate, environment and security nexus, border management and the fight against transnational organised crime, capacity building in security and defence, and Women, Peace and Security.

Today’s signing marks a new chapter in EU–Ghana relations, reinforcing a strategic partnership that contributes to peace, stability and resilience in Ghana, the wider West African region, and beyond.

Read the full text of the EU-Ghana Security and Defence Partnership below;