Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has urged African and European leaders to intensify joint efforts in combating violent extremism, proposing a dedicated regional meeting to address rising insecurity in West Africa. D

Delivering President John Mahama’s message at the 7th African Union–European Union Summit, the Vice President stressed that extremist groups continue to exploit poverty, marginalisation, and political fragility across the sub-region.

“Ghana is proposing a focused meeting on violent extremism to tackle the root causes of insecurity through regional unity and community-based peace-building,” Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to a revitalised AU–EU partnership built on shared values, equity, and mutual respect.

She referenced the vision adopted at the 2022 AU–EU Summit, noting that Ghana remains dedicated to driving Africa’s transformation agenda, strengthening governance systems, and supporting the work of regional economic communities.

The Vice President highlighted Ghana’s recent progress in stabilising the economy, pointing to declining inflation, a steadying cedi, and ongoing public financial management reforms.

She outlined three priority areas guiding Ghana’s national development agenda for 2026:

Infrastructure and connectivity to accelerate economic growth

Job creation and human capital development for inclusive prosperity

Enhanced stability and confidence in governance and fiscal management

Addressing continental security, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang praised the African Peace and Security Architecture as a major achievement, while warning that climate change, political unrest, and maritime threats continue to deepen humanitarian challenges.

She emphasised the need for renewed commitment to peace-building and resilience.

The Vice President welcomed the European Union’s Global Gateway Initiative and its €150 billion investment commitment to Africa, particularly in renewable energy and digital infrastructure.

She highlighted Ghana’s priority initiatives under the programme, including the hydro dam and Wongbo water facility, and called for backing of an AU waiver on offshore patrols to bolster maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

In a significant announcement, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang revealed Ghana’s plan to introduce a UN resolution on reparations for the trans-Atlantic slave trade, describing it as one of humanity’s gravest injustices.

She invited European partners to join as co-sponsors of the resolution.

Quoting Kofi Annan, she reminded the summit:

“There can be no development without security, no security without development, and neither without respect for human rights.”

The Vice President concluded with a call for Africa and Europe to transform policy commitments into concrete action, insisting that peace, opportunity, and stability must drive the next phase of the AU–EU partnership.

She noted that only a strong and collaborative relationship between the two continents can deliver sustainable prosperity for their people.