Ghana, EU Sign First-Ever Security and Defence Partnership

Government has signed a landmark Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) with the European Union (EU), marking the first such agreement between Ghana and the bloc aimed at strengthening cooperation on security and stability.

The partnership establishes a structured framework to enhance collaboration in addressing emerging threats, including terrorism, maritime insecurity, cyber threats and the spillover of instability from the Sahel.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Accra, the Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, described the agreement as a significant milestone in Ghana-EU relations and a reflection of their shared commitment to peace, stability and sustainable development.

She noted that the evolving security landscape in West Africa, coupled with recent tragic incidents such as the killing of Ghanaian traders in Burkina Faso, underscores the urgency for stronger international cooperation.

“In the face of these challenges, partnerships like this are essential to protect lives and maintain peace and stability across the sub-region,” she said.

The Vice President commended the EU for its continued support to Ghana under the European Peace Facility (EPF), through which the country is benefiting from assistance valued at €50 million.

She explained that two key assistance measures adopted in July 2023 and April 2024 are enhancing the operational capacity of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

The 2023 support package, valued at €20.25 million, provided equipment in areas such as intelligence and surveillance, electronic warfare, mobility, military engineering, riverine operations and explosive ordnance disposal. This included the delivery of 105 militarised vehicles to improve operational readiness.

A second package worth €25 million, adopted in April 2024, is currently being implemented and focuses on medical support, military engineering, logistics training, intelligence, communication systems and explosive ordnance disposal. Deliveries are expected to continue through 2026.

She added that additional equipment supplied over the years, including drones, jammers and surveillance systems, has significantly improved Ghana’s situational awareness and operational coordination.

Under the new partnership, Ghana and the EU will deepen cooperation in key areas such as maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, counter-terrorism, conflict prevention, crisis management and cyber security. The agreement also covers climate-related security risks, capacity building and support for African-led peace initiatives.

The National Security Coordinator, Mr Abdul Razak, described the agreement as a major step forward in strengthening Ghana’s security architecture.He stressed that in the face of increasingly complex global threats, strong partnerships and coordinated strategies remain critical.

“These initiatives are vital to enhancing our resilience and effectiveness in addressing security challenges,” he said, assuring that all equipment provided would be used strictly for its intended purpose.

The EU has supported more than 30 security-related projects in Ghana, covering areas such as counter-terrorism, border management, maritime security and cyber security. In the Gulf of Guinea, over 40 training sessions have also been conducted for military and civilian security personnel.

The partnership is expected to strengthen Ghana’s capacity to respond to threats, improve coordination with international partners and contribute to peace and stability in West Africa.

Government reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the EU to address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, marginalisation and youth unemployment.

 

 

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