In line with the launch of “European Year of Skills” in Brussels, the European Union (EU) in Ghana celebrated this year’s Europe Day by acknowledging Ghanaian youth and their skills.
The celebration included a reception, an exhibition showcasing the diverse skills of young Ghanaians, and the display of talents through various performances.
Irchad Razaaly, Ambassador of the European Union to Ghana, stated that a young, dynamic and skilled workforce reduces unemployment and boosts sustainable and inclusive growth.
“So, to bring life back into our economies and democracies – on both the European and African continents, the answer lies in turning to our young generation and providing them with the right skills to thrive,” he said.
Mr. Razaaly further emphasised the EU’s support to Ghana’s Economic and social development, noting the Union’s continuous investment in key sectors such as environmental protection, vaccine manufacturing, security and job creation.
He reassured the government of Ghana that despite current challenges facing the world, the EU is still very committed to all promises made to support the country’s growth.
He added: “Despite Russia’s unjustified aggression against Ukraine, not one euro has been diverted from the initial commitments to Ghana. On the contrary, we are expanding our support to address new needs and challenges”.
Mr. Razaaly further stated that the EU will celebrate ‘Europe Month’ through a number of activities on youth and skills, which include a job fair for young job seekers in Tema and an exhibition of youth-led SMEs in Accra among others.
He indicated that there will be a Ghanaian-Europe fusion concert and music workshop for children in Tamale – capital of the Northern Region, as well as a film-screening and fireside chat at Jamestown, Accra.
Mustapha Ussif, Minister for Youth and Sports, applauded the EU for its support and highlighted the value of Ghana’s partnership with Europe in advancing the country’s development agenda, especially in the area of youth and skills.
“Investing in the youth remains a top priority of government, and we are happy for the EU’s continuous support in that direction,” he said.
Mr. Ussif stressed that the EU remains Ghana’s top trading partner in goods, accounting for 16.7 percent of the country’s total external trade in 2020.
“This partnership has been critical to Ghana’s development agenda, particularly in trade and investment,” he noted.
