His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, has underscored the vital alliance and shared vision between Ghana and its partners at the 2025 Ghana-European Union Partnership Forum.
His remarks underscored a partnership that has matured into one characterised by mutual respect, shared ambition, and deep strategic alignment, serving as a testament to a collective commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for the people of both Ghana and the European Union.
President Mahama commenced by expressing Ghana’s profound appreciation to the EU delegation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and all participating institutions, acknowledging their dedication to what he described as “this vital platform of cooperation.”
He emphasised that the dialogue transcended mere formality, embodying a tangible commitment to common goals.
“Ghana and the EU have consistently pursued a common agenda that has been rooted in our shared values and is based on sustainable development, democratic governance, climate action, and regional stability.
“Through this forum, we reaffirm our partnership as development allies and co-architects of a new global order that prioritises equity, innovation, and dignity.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
This assertion positions the Ghana-EU relationship as a model for addressing contemporary global challenges through collaborative leadership.
Ghana’s Macroeconomic Recovery
Shifting focus to the domestic front, President Mahama provided an optimistic update on Ghana’s macroeconomic recovery and fiscal governance.
He reported that Ghana’s economic outlook is “rebounding steadily,” a testament to his administration’s unwavering commitment to restoring macroeconomic stability.
President Mahama noted that this commitment is being realised through a multi-pronged approach encompassing prudent fiscal management, enhanced domestic revenue mobilisation, and stringent expenditure rationalisation.
According to him, a critical component of these efforts involves close collaboration with the Bank of Ghana, aimed at stabilising inflation, firming up the Cedi, and implementing effective debt restructuring strategies.
He stressed that these measures are designed to restore confidence in the economy and rebuild the fiscal space necessary for sustained national development.
“These efforts are yielding fruits, and only yesterday, the Fitch, a rating agency, upgraded Ghana’s credit outlook to B- stable outlook. We’re also pursuing regulatory and institutional reforms that promote transparency, reduce inefficiencies, and expand our fiscal base”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama expressed deep appreciation for the EU’s ongoing support in public financial management, domestic revenue reform efforts, and anti-corruption initiatives, recognizing their integral role in strengthening Ghana’s economic foundation.
Recognising the limits of government-led transformation, President Mahama emphasised the indispensable role of a thriving private sector in driving Ghana’s economic resurgence.
To foster this growth, his administration is implementing a unified licensing regime designed to significantly reduce regulatory bottlenecks, thereby streamlining business operations.
Fostering Business-Friendly Environment
Furthermore, a national structured public-private dialogue framework is being established to ensure that the voices and concerns of businesses are systematically integrated into all national policy-making processes, fostering a more responsive and business-friendly environment.
A significant innovation is the introduction of a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) regime, marking a new era in policy formulation where decisions are anchored in data, predictability is enhanced, and Ghana’s competitiveness in the global market is improved.
President Mahama extended a direct invitation to EU businesses and investors to participate actively in this transformative journey, particularly as Ghana revises its Investment Promotion Centre Act to actively promote joint ventures and facilitate deeper technology transfer.
He articulated Ghana’s ambitious goal to become a regional hub for sustainable agribusiness, value addition, manufacturing, and digital innovation, sectors where European expertise and capital would be invaluable in realizing this vision.
Migration Governance
The discourse then transitioned to migration governance and labour mobility, an area where the Ghana-EU partnership has been particularly exemplary.
President Mahama highlighted the ATUU project, launched in March 2025 with robust EU support, as a clear demonstration of joint efforts to ensure that migration is safe, humane, and development-oriented.
“We’re enhancing reintegration services, data systems, and community resilience through the national coordinating mechanism and establishing a national referral platform. Ghana stands ready to deepen dialogue on structured labour migration with the EU”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
With critical labour shortages in various EU sectors, including healthcare, construction, and agriculture, President Mahama offered Ghana’s significant pool of skilled professionals.
The President encouraged collaboration on mutual recognition of qualifications and the establishment of fair labour standards, aiming to forge a “win-win framework” that effectively aligns Ghana’s demographic potential with Europe’s pressing labour needs.
He assured that the proposed Ghana Labour Export program would ensure that all labour mobility happens safely and humanely, a critical measure to prevent the perilous Sahara and Mediterranean crossings often undertaken by desperate youth.
Peace, Security and Defence Cooperation
Addressing the crucial domain of peace, security, and defence cooperation, President Mahama affirmed Ghana’s enduring status as a “beacon of peace in West Africa.”
However, he candidly acknowledged the escalating threat of violent extremism across Ghana’s borders, emphasising the urgent need for coordinated action.
“It compels us to increase defence spending to prepare our armed forces to protect our country’s territorial integrity in the event of any threat. The EU has been a steadfast partner through support under the European Peace Facility, including the provision of non-lethal military equipment.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama articulated a desire to elevate this cooperation, with Ghana seeking EU collaboration in developing a resilient and technology-driven defence industry.
The vision extends beyond security, aiming for a defence sector that not only supports national security architecture but also boosts industrialisation and generates skilled jobs for Ghana’s youth.
Through joint initiatives such as the GARSI Sahel project and the broader AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) stabilisation agenda, both Ghana and the EU can collectively fortify regional security, effectively combat terrorism, and bolster democratic governance across the sub-region.
Calls for Structural Reforms
President Mahama concluded his address by reflecting on shared values in global governance and structural reform, particularly multilateralism.
He asserted that the current global order, characterised by outdated institutions and an inequitable financial framework, is in urgent need of comprehensive reform.
He specifically called for the United Nations Security Council to evolve and truly reflect contemporary global realities.
Similarly, the global financial architecture, he argued, must ensure fairer access to capital, reform credit rating practices, and implement inclusive debt solutions for developing countries.
Ghana, he declared, stands unequivocally with the EU in calling for a more just and representative international system that grants all nations an equal voice and opportunity, irrespective of their size or economic might.
“Today’s dialogue presents a unique opportunity to assess our progress and chart the course ahead.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
He urged participants to approach discussions with clarity, openness, and a shared resolve to translate dialogue into tangible action, reaffirming that the partnership between Ghana and the European Union is not merely enduring but dynamically evolving.
He closed with a powerful call to continue building “a fairer, greener, more secure, and more prosperous future for all of us,” expressing gratitude and invoking blessings for the Ghana-EU partnership.
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