Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has addressed the Seventh African Union–European Union (EU) Summit in Luanda, Angola, extending warm greetings from President John Dramani Mahama and congratulating the host nation on its 50th independence anniversary.
“We are grateful to the Government of Angola and the African Union Commission for their warm hospitality,” she said.
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Reflecting on the AU–EU partnership, the Vice President highlighted its foundation in shared values and a collective commitment to development.
She pointed to the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) as one of the partnership’s strongest achievements, enabling African-led responses to conflict across the continent.
Despite this progress, she noted that Africa continued to grapple with climate shocks, geopolitical tensions and piracy, stressing the need for urgent, coordinated action.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said Ghana entered the summit with renewed confidence, explaining that the country’s 2026 budget aligned closely with AU–EU priorities.
“Our 2026 budget, for instance, rests on three pillars that align with AU–EU priorities: Restoring macroeconomic stability, investing in infrastructure and connectivity, and placing jobs and human capital at the centre of policy.” She said these measures would strengthen Ghana’s role in advancing Africa’s transformation agenda.
Calling for sustained financial, technical and logistical support from development partners, the Vice President emphasised the need to reinforce the AU’s Peace and Security Protocol.
Turning attention to West Africa, she described the region as economically dynamic and rich in youthful energy, but burdened by violent extremism fueled by poverty, exclusion and resource pressures. She announced Ghana’s intention to convene a meeting on extremism to enhance regional coordination.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang welcomed the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative and its €150 billion commitment to Africa’s sustainable development.
She also outlined Ghana’s priorities, including an EU waiver for offshore patrols, support for essential component replacements at the Kpone Hydro Dam and assistance for the Damongo Water Facility.
On continental matters, she noted that 2025 had been declared the African Union’s Year for Reparations, with Ghana serving as the AU Champion.
She revealed that Ghana was preparing to table a UN resolution recognizing the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade as one of history’s gravest crimes against humanity, urging European partners to join as co-authors.
The Vice President also commended the European Group for supporting the Africa Group at the UN Human Rights Council, reaffirming the importance of sustained collaboration in promoting peace, justice and shared progress.
