Audio By Carbonatix
Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called on African and European leaders to intensify joint action against violent extremism, proposing a dedicated regional meeting to address rising insecurity in West Africa.
Speaking on behalf of the President at the 7th African Union–European Union Summit in Luanda, Angola, she warned that extremist groups continue to exploit poverty, marginalisation, and political fragility across the sub-region, making immediate collaboration essential.
“Ghana is proposing a focused meeting on violent extremism to tackle the root causes of insecurity through regional unity and community-based peace building,” she emphasised.
The Vice President also announced Ghana’s plan to introduce a UN resolution on reparations for the trans-Atlantic slave trade, describing it as one of humanity’s gravest injustices.
She urged Africa and Europe to convert policy commitments into concrete outcomes, stressing that peace, opportunity, and stability must guide the next phase of the AU–EU partnership.
She reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to a stronger relationship grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and collective prosperity.
Recalling the 2022 AU–EU Summit vision, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said Ghana stands ready to support Africa’s transformation agenda, strengthen the African Governance Architecture, and empower regional economic communities.
On domestic priorities, she outlined Ghana’s progress in restoring economic stability, citing declining inflation and a stabilised cedi as results of ongoing fiscal and public financial management reforms.
She said the 2026 agenda will focus on boosting infrastructure and connectivity to drive growth, creating jobs, investing in human capital, and maintaining confidence in governance and financial systems.
Highlighting the African Peace and Security Architecture, she praised it as “one of our continent’s major achievements,” but cautioned that climate shocks, political tensions, and piracy are worsening humanitarian challenges that require swift action.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang welcomed the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative and its €150 billion pledge to Africa’s sustainable development, especially in green energy and digital services.
She cited Ghana’s priority projects, including the hydro dam and Wongbo water facility, and called for support for an AU waiver on offshore patrols to boost maritime security.
On justice and human rights, she reiterated Ghana’s intention to present a UN resolution on reparations for the trans-Atlantic slave trade and invited European partners to join as co-authors.
She urged Africa and Europe to transform commitments into action, securing peace through opportunity and advancing development through stability, insisting that only a strong, cooperative AU–EU partnership can deliver lasting prosperity for both continents.
Latest Stories
-
Majority caucus says BoG’s rising losses are cost of stabilisation, not collapse
19 minutes -
Analysis: How GOLDBOD’s “beautiful” 2025 financials created a GH¢9bn hole at the Bank of Ghana
27 minutes -
The numbers speak for themselves – Majority caucus fires back at Minority over BoG loss
32 minutes -
South Africa: The boys who gave the world a party, and went home early
37 minutes -
BoG gold sale row deepens as Majority caucus rejects Minority’s ‘policy insolvency’ charge
54 minutes -
US criticises Zambia for lack of engagement as $1 billion health deal stalls
1 hour -
Meta faces US lawmaker scrutiny over removal of lawyer ads for social media addiction cases
1 hour -
As summer opens, action movies have lost some box-office punch
1 hour -
Pope marks World Press Freedom Day, laments violations and honours slain reporters
2 hours -
Top US diplomat Rubio to meet with Pope Leo on Thursday, source says
2 hours -
Spirit Airlines shutting down after rescue talks collapse
2 hours -
BBC uncovers the Ugandan scammers abusing dogs to elicit donations from animal lovers
2 hours -
GameStop makes $55.5bn takeover offer for eBay
2 hours -
Trump says US to ‘guide’ stranded ships through Strait of Hormuz
2 hours -
Amsterdam bans public adverts for meat and fossil fuels
3 hours