EU troops will not be stationed in Ghana under new defence deal — Foreign Affairs Ministry clarifies

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that the new Security and Defence Partnership between Ghana and the European Union (EU) does not allow the stationing of foreign troops in the country.

The Ministry also stressed that the agreement does not provide for the establishment of any foreign military bases on Ghanaian soil.

It said the arrangement is rather focused on cooperation in key security areas including counter-terrorism, maritime security, cybersecurity and border management.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 14, the Ministry explained that the partnership is aimed at strengthening the country's national and regional security architecture.

“The Ministry wishes to categorically state that the agreement neither provides for the establishment of foreign military bases in Ghana nor does it permit the stationing of foreign troops on Ghanaian soil,” reads part of the statement.

It added that the agreement is part of long-standing cooperation between Ghana and the EU, now formalised into a structured framework.

“The Partnership provides a structured framework for collaboration in key areas including counter-terrorism, maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, cybersecurity, border management, and support for peacekeeping and crisis response operations,” the statement noted.

The Ministry further dismissed public concerns and misinformation circulating about the nature of the deal and described them as inaccurate.

It assured that Ghana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remain fully protected, adding that all engagements with international partners are guided by national interest and mutual respect.