By Ernest Bako WUBONTO
The European Union (EU) EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, has highlighted the renewed emphasis on security cooperation as a key pillar of its partnership with Ghana.
This strategic shift reflects the growing importance of regional stability and shared commitment to addressing common security challenges.
As a key development partner of the Ghana government, the EU has expressed concern about heightened insecurity issues in the West African sub-region and the need to ensure Ghana is well-secured against any attacks.
Speaking at the 2024 Europe Day Reception held in Accra, the ambassador underscored the multifaceted nature of the evolving partnership – emphasising the need to strengthen collaborative efforts to promote peace, combat transnational threats and safeguard the well-being of citizens before and during election 2024.
“Security has become a central pillar of our partnership. We saw the delivery of critical military equipment by the EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, and the advancement of several security programmes conducted by the EU and Member States (MS).
“Both Europe and Ghana know that security and stability in their immediate vicinity is not for granted. We share a commitment to safeguarding the rule of law and reinforcing democracy both inside our borders and beyond. We share an interest in upholding a rules-based multilateral order,” he said.
He added that in 2023, the EU and MS jointly contributed nearly €55million to ensure Ghana becomes a vaccine manufacturing hub in Africa; all aimed at ensuring good health for the citizens and empowering them.
The EU has in recent times embarked on several collaborative missions with security services in Ghana, including joint counter-terrorism efforts through intensified intelligence-sharing, capacity-building and implementation of best practices to disrupt and prevent terrorist activities.
Others included border management to streamline cross-border operations, strengthening Customs procedures and combatting illicit trade of ammunition.
Through an initiative dubbed the Strengthening Border Security in Ghana (SBS Ghana) project, funded by the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF) and implemented by ICMPD in cooperation with the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), the long-term capability potential of border control authorities in Ghana was developed to update border management information and communication systems; and to ensure greater security for citizens and visitors while guaranteeing respect for the rule of law and human rights standards.
This renewed emphasis on security cooperation reflects the EU’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s role as a regional leader and its efforts to maintain stability and prosperity in West Africa.
