Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on Monday addressed the 7th African Union–European Union Summit in Luanda, offering greetings from Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama and praising Angola as it marks 50 years of independence.
Prof Opoku-Agyemang thanked the Government of Angola and the African Union Commission for what she described as warm hospitality and used her remarks to reflect on the AU–EU partnership, calling it a relationship grounded in shared values and a collective commitment to development.
She pointed to the African Peace and Security Architecture as one of the continent’s major achievements, saying it has strengthened Africa’s ability to respond to conflict through homegrown mechanisms. But she warned that the continent faces expanding vulnerabilities, citing climate pressures, geopolitical tensions, and persistent piracy as growing threats requiring urgent, coordinated action.
Ghana, enters the summit with “renewed confidence” she said. She also noted that the country’s 2026 budget rests on three pillars that closely align with AU–EU priorities: restoring macroeconomic stability, increasing investment in infrastructure and connectivity, and placing jobs and human capital at the center of policy. She argued that these priorities position Ghana to contribute meaningfully to the AU’s broader transformation agenda.
H.E. Prof Opoku-Agyemang called on international partners to strengthen financial, technical, and logistical support for the AU’s Peace and Security Protocol, emphasizing the need for sustained collaboration.
Turning to West Africa, she described the region as both economically dynamic and driven by a growing young population. However, she underscored concerns over violent extremism, which she said is intensified by poverty, exclusion, and competition for resources. She announced that Ghana plans to convene a regional meeting focused on extremism as part of efforts to improve coordination among West African states.
Ghana welcomed the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative and its €150 billion commitment to sustainable development across Africa. She also outlined several Ghanaian priorities, including a proposed EU waiver for offshore patrols, support for replacing essential components of the Kpone Hydro Dam, and assistance for the Damongo Water Facility.
The year 2025 has been designated by the African Union as the Year for Reparations, with Ghana serving as the AU Champion. Opoku-Agyemang said Ghana is preparing a United Nations resolution recognizing the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade as one of history’s gravest crimes against humanity and urged European partners to join as co-authors.
She also commended the European Group for its support of the Africa Group at the UN Human Rights Council.