The European Union (EU) and its member states, under the Global Gateway initiative, have committed more than €800 million, approximately GH¢13 billion, to major infrastructure projects across Ghana’s energy, health, and transport sectors, the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Irchad Razaaly, has announced.

The investment includes €55 million to support local vaccine production, €62 million for retrofitting the Kpong Dam, and a projected €370 million earmarked for developing smart and sustainable cities in northern Ghana.

The Global Gateway combines hundreds of infrastructure projects with investments in regular standards, technology transfer, and know-how while enhancing the economic completeness of partner countries, like Ghana.

It is implemented by the collective firepower of the Team Europe mobilizing all EU institutions, Member States, their Development Financial Institutions, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the EBRD and the European private sector.

Mr Razaaly said the EU and Member States had significantly increased investments in major infrastructure, and it continued to collaborate with Ghana in building smart, sustainable cities with equal access to energy, clean water, and sanitation.

The Ambassador, speaking at this year’s Europe Day Reception in Accra, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Ghana in areas of mutual interest, including trade, security, climate resilience, and youth empowerment.

He said, “The EU remains a credible, reliable and dependable partner to Ghana. In these turbulent times, it is ever more important to collaborate with like-minded friends and allies. We are here to stay.”

The annual Europe Day celebration is a vibrant gathering of the Diplomatic Corps, government dignitaries, private sector leaders, civil society actors, and media professionals – all united in a festive atmosphere to honour the enduring partnership between the European Union and Ghana.

Set against a backdrop of culture, diplomacy, and collaboration, the event served as a testament to the shared values, mutual respect, and strong ties that continue to bind the EU and Ghana in their journey toward sustainable development and global cooperation.

This year’s edition held special significance commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration (1950), which marks the origin of the European Union.

The Ambassador said, “I am proud to say, without hesitation, that the EU-Ghana partnership is stronger than ever. Ghana remains a preferred partner to the European Union, and our collaboration continues to deepen. These are not just hollow words, but a commitment grounded in hard facts.”

Amb. Razaaly stated that from 2021 to 2027, Team Europe would invest almost €1 billion, equivalent to GH₵16 billion in infrastructure investment in Ghana.

In peace and security, he said, the EU had become a critical partner to Ghana with the delivery of military equipment totaling €50 million with targeted training for Ghana’s military and civilian security forces.

The EU Amb said, “Together with our Member States, the EU supports over 30 security-related projects in Ghana, from conflict prevention to border management, from a continuous maritime security presence, to countering disinformation.”

Also, in the field of education, training, and knowledge building, Mr Razaaly acknowledged that “we believe in Ghana, we believe in the youth of this country. That is why we have passed a Pact for Skills with Ghana, in the field of Technical and Vocational Training.”

He said every year, the EU and its Member States welcome 1000 Ghanaian students and professionals through scholarships.

Mr George Opare-Addo, the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, said the partnership with the EU had been pivotal to Ghana, anchored in shared values of peace, prosperity, and people-centred development.

“Together, we advance priorities from education to youth development and infrastructure, ensuring no one is left behind,” he stated.