The Vice-President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, arrived in Barcelona yesterday to participate in the fourth High-Level Meeting of the “In Defence of Democracy Initiative”, a global forum aimed at strengthening democratic governance and international cooperation, scheduled for tomorrow.
She was received upon arrival by Ghana’s Ambassador to Spain, Kalsoume Sinare Baffoe, along with members of the Ghanaian community in Spain.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang will join other global leaders as a speaker at the event, where discussions will focus on strengthening democratic governance.
The meeting, scheduled for today and tomorrow, focuses on defending democratic values, with Spain hosting this edition.
She led a Ghanaian delegation, which included the Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa; the Minister of Gender, Women, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey; the Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice-President, Alex Segbefia, and other staff members at her office.
Summit
The summit, hosted by the Spanish government under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, will bring together heads of state and senior officials from countries including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay and Spain.
Among the expected attendees are Brazil’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva; Colombia’s President, Gustavo Petro, and South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa.
Ghana’s participation signals increasing West African involvement in global efforts to strengthen democratic governance and deepen international cooperation.
Key issues expected to feature include combating disinformation, protecting digital integrity, tackling extremism and addressing the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
As the head of the delegation, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang is expected to contribute to high-level discussions focused on safeguarding democratic institutions, promoting accountability and enhancing citizen participation.
Background
The “In Defence of Democracy” Initiative is a multilateral effort spearheaded by countries, including Spain, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Uruguay.
It was launched in response to growing global concerns about democratic backsliding, authoritarianism and the spread of misinformation.
The platform seeks to foster coordinated international action to protect democratic values, strengthen institutions and address socio-economic inequalities that often undermine governance systems.
The meeting was a continuation of the initiative launched in 2024 by the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, as well as the meeting held in July in Santiago with the Presidents of Colombia and Uruguay.
Mr Sánchez announced that Spain would host a new edition of the “In Defence of Democracy” Initiative in 2026 and invited countries and civil society to participate so that democracy could once again mean hope.
During the two days, more than one hundred activities will be held, including panels, “workshops”, bilateral meetings and working dinners.
The forum would also feature the first Global Progressive Mobilisation (GPM) meeting, bringing together political leaders, activists, thinkers and representatives of progressive parties and movements from all continents.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
