German Ambassador says 50 years of Germany–Ghana development cooperation reflects shared SDG responsibility

Mr Frederik Landshöft, the German Ambassador to Ghana, has stressed that Germany’s partnership with Ghana is rooted in shared responsibility for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and not driven by charity.

He said the bilateral relationship has matured into a strategic form of cooperation aligned with Ghana’s national priorities.

Speaking at a reception at his residence in Accra to mark 50 years of German-Ghanaian development cooperation, Mr Landshöft emphasised that the effectiveness of the partnership depends on aligning German interests with Ghana’s development agenda in ways that deliver practical and mutually beneficial outcomes.

He explained that Germany’s engagement in Ghana is guided by three geostrategic considerations: the value of democratic partnership in a contested global environment, Ghana’s role as a stabilising force in West Africa, and opportunities for shared economic transformation amid global economic shifts.

The event also opened the 2025 German–Ghanaian Government Negotiations, set to take place this week in Accra.

The Ambassador described the negotiations as a moment to review progress, synchronise development ambitions and shape future programmes that reflect Ghana’s priorities and Germany’s long-term commitment.

This year’s talks carry added significance as they coincide with the 50-year milestone of cooperation across energy and climate, TVET and skills development, digital transformation, governance reforms and private sector growth.

Earlier on Monday, a Business Day Programme convened German and Ghanaian companies alongside government partners to explore new opportunities in agribusiness, construction, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, energy and the digital economy.

Mr Christoph Rauh, Director for Africa at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), who led the German delegation, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s security efforts at both national and regional levels, noting Ghana’s continued role as a key partner under the G20 Compact with Africa.

Representing the Government, Mr Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Presidential Envoy for Inter-Faith and Ecumenical Bodies, said the 2025 negotiations would assess ongoing programmes and set priorities for the next two-year cycle.

Speaking on behalf of Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah, he highlighted Germany’s position as one of Ghana’s most significant development partners and the largest provider of development cooperation support, particularly in economic collaboration, TVET, green transition initiatives and private-sector-led development.