Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang has addressed the 7th AU–EU Summit in Luanda, Angola, where she conveyed warm greetings from His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama and congratulated the people of Angola on 50 years of independence.
”We are grateful to the Government of Angola and the African Union Commission for their warm hospitality”, she posited.
The Vice President in her remarks, reflected on the AU–EU partnership, which is built on shared values and a commitment to development. She highlighted the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) as one of ”our greatest achievements, which enables African-led responses to conflict”. However, Africa continues to face deepening vulnerabilities, from climate shocks to geopolitical tensions and piracy. We need urgent, coordinated action.
She noted that Ghana enters this summit with renewed confidence. Our 2026 budget, for instance, rests on three pillars that align with AU–EU priorities:
1. Restoring macroeconomic stability,
2. Investing in infrastructure and connectivity, and
3. Placing jobs and human capital at the centre of policy.
This strengthens Ghana’s ability to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s transformation agenda, and I called for sustained financial, technical, and logistical support from partners to reinforce the AU’s Peace and Security Protocol.
Focusing on West Africa, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang underscored the region’s dynamic economies and vibrant youth. However, the region also faces challenges, notably, violent extremism driven by poverty, exclusion, and resource pressures.
She announced Ghana’s intention to convene a meeting on extremism to enhance regional coordination.
The Vice President welcomed the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative and its €150 billion commitment to Africa’s sustainable development, emphasizing Ghana’s priorities, including:
• An EU waiver for offshore patrols,
• Support for replacing essential components of the Kpone Hydro Dam, and
• Assistance for the Damongo Water Facility.
She observed that, ” 2025 is the African Union’s Year for Reparations, with Ghana serving as the AU Champion”.
”Ghana is preparing to table a UN resolution recognizing the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade as one of history’s gravest crimes against humanity”, the Vice President urged European partners to join as co-authors.
She also commended the European Group for their support of the Africa Group at the UN Human Rights Council.
