President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening Ghana’s partnership with the European Union (EU), with a strong emphasis on expanding trade, attracting investment and promoting value addition as key drivers of economic transformation.
The President made the commitment while opening the 2026 Ghana-European Union Partnership Dialogue, where Ghana and the EU reviewed their longstanding cooperation and explored new opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations.
According to Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the dialogue concluded successfully, with both sides agreeing to align future cooperation with the priorities of the Government of Ghana.
Mr. Ablakwa noted that the European Union remains Ghana’s largest trading partner, making the dialogue a critical platform for advancing economic cooperation, investment, sustainable development and regional growth.
He said Ghana’s engagement with the EU reflects the Mahama administration’s vision of building mutually beneficial partnerships that promote economic self-reliance rather than dependence on foreign aid.
“Our focus is on trade, not aid; value addition, not exportation of raw materials; health sovereignty undergirded by the Accra Reset Agenda; and win-win partnerships,” the Foreign Affairs Minister stated.
He further disclosed that Ghana has become the first African country to sign a number of strategic partnership agreements with the European Union in several critical sectors, describing the achievement as a significant milestone in the country’s relations with the bloc.
Mr. Ablakwa also praised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ new comprehensive project database and coordination framework, saying the system is improving efficiency and ensuring development projects deliver greater impact across all 16 regions of the country.
He expressed appreciation to President Mahama for personally opening the annual dialogue, noting that he is the only Ghanaian President to have officially opened the Ghana-EU Partnership Dialogue twice since assuming his second term in office.
The Ghana-European Union Partnership Dialogue serves as a key platform for strengthening cooperation between Ghana and the EU in areas such as trade, investment, governance, security, climate action and sustainable development.
The outcome of this year’s dialogue is expected to reinforce President Mahama’s agenda of positioning Ghana as a competitive investment destination while leveraging strategic international partnerships to drive industrialisation, create jobs and accelerate inclusive economic growth.
CREDIT: MAVIS FANTEVI