Ghana’s Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang Addresses 7th AU–EU Summit in Luanda

Ghana’s Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has delivered a compelling address at the 7th AU–EU Summit held in Luanda, Angola, where she conveyed warm greetings from President John Dramani Mahama and congratulated the host nation on its 50th anniversary of independence.

She expressed Ghana’s gratitude to the Government of Angola and the African Union Commission for their “exceptional hospitality” as leaders gathered to deepen cooperation between Africa and the European Union.

In her remarks, the Vice President highlighted the AU–EU partnership as one rooted in shared values and a joint commitment to sustainable development. She praised the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) as a major continental achievement that enables African-led responses to conflict.

However, she warned that Africa continues to face intensifying threats, including climate shocks, geopolitical tensions, and maritime piracy. These, she noted, demand urgent and coordinated international action.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stated that Ghana attends the summit with “renewed confidence,” buoyed by its 2026 national budget, which focuses on three key pillars aligned with AU–EU priorities:

1. Restoring macroeconomic stability,
2. Expanding infrastructure and connectivity, and
3. Prioritizing jobs and human capital development.

According to her, these priorities strengthen Ghana’s contribution to the continent’s transformation agenda. She called for sustained financial, technical, and logistical support from partners to reinforce the AU’s Peace and Security Protocol.

Turning her attention to West Africa, the Vice President described the region as home to dynamic economies and a vibrant youth population. Yet, she cautioned that challenges persist—particularly violent extremism, often fuelled by poverty, marginalization, and competition for scarce resources. She announced Ghana’s intention to convene a regional meeting on extremism to enhance collaboration and intelligence coordination.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also welcomed the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative and its €150 billion commitment to Africa’s sustainable development. She outlined Ghana’s key priorities under the partnership, including:

• An EU waiver for offshore patrols,

• Support to replace major components of the Kpone Hydro Dam, and

• Assistance for the Damongo Water Facility to expand access to clean water.

The Vice President further underscored the significance of 2025 as the African Union’s Year for Reparations, with Ghana serving as the AU Champion. She announced that Ghana will table a resolution at the United Nations seeking recognition of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade as one of the gravest crimes against humanity. She called on European partners to join the resolution as co-authors.

She also commended the European Group for its continuous support to the Africa Group at the UN Human Rights Council.

The summit, attended by African heads of state, EU leaders, and international partners, continues efforts to strengthen political, economic, and security cooperation between the two blocs.