The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has issued a press statement informing the general public about the Government of Ghana’s partnership with the European Union (EU). This is in a bid to enhance collaboration to address the emerging security issues facing Ghana and the Sub-Region.
This agreement is meant to enhance the security situation in Ghana and also strengthen Ghana’s national and regulatory architecture. The collaboration focuses on areas such as counter-terrorism, maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, Cybersecurity, Border management, and support for peacekeeping and crisis response operations.
The collaboration is also expected to offer technical assistance, training, and the provision of equipment to support Ghana’s security agencies. This will equip Ghana with the needed skills and tools to promote security in the country.
The partnership reflects a longstanding cooperation between Ghana and the European Union. The EU has, over the years, been a significant partner to Ghana as far as development is concerned.
Ghana has enjoyed a wide range of benefits, ranging from security to governance as well as social interventions. The EU can therefore be described as a formidable partner for Ghana as far as development is concerned.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has clarified that the agreement does not include the establishment of a military base in Ghana, nor does it allow foreign troops to be stationed in Ghana. The partnership values and respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ghana, which it duly acknowledges.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the public to disregard rumors with respect to the nature and implications of the agreement. These, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is inaccurate and must not be entertained.
The Need For Security Partnerships
The decision to enter into this agreement, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is a result of the security patterns within West Africa. West Africa, in recent times, is confronted with extremist violence and instability in the Sahel, coupled with the maritime security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea.
Therefore, it is imperative to ensure the existence of formidable security by partnering with the EU. This partnership is seen as a strategic decision made at the right time to enhance the security of the country, both on land and at sea.
Forming security alliances lies at the core of every country’s foreign policy, especially in this increasingly challenging and unstable international political landscape.
In an era where a lot of countries have moved from liberal to realist ideas in the international scene, Ghana also sees the need for cooperating with partners to strengthen the security systems and ensure peace and stability.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further emphasized that Ghana’s stance on global historical and moral issues, including the position at the United Nations with respect to the transatlantic slave trade, has not changed. Also, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed that Ghana has and will always be non-aligned and that the country upholds the longstanding policy of realignment.
In light of this, international partners engaged by the Ministry will reflect the non-alignment position, and such partnerships will be mutually beneficial and not at the expense of Ghana.
Collaborations with international partners will be geared towards achieving the country’s national interest and ensuring commitment to justice, equity, and adherence to international cooperation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Ghana’s enduring foreign policy, which is built on the principle of good-neighborliness, Pan-Africanism, and peaceful coexistence. Ghana appreciates the value of peace among states and sees the need to coexist peacefully with all.
Ghana, as communicated by the ministry, is committed to promoting peace and security within the West African Sub-Region and Africa as a whole. As such, Ghana will refrain from entering into any partnership that will impede the security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of other countries.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the government’s dedication to openness, accountability, and the protection of national sovereignty in its engagements with international partners.
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