Ghana and EU sign security pact to combat terrorism and cyber threats

Ghana has signed a Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union (EU) to expand cooperation in tackling security threats and strengthening national and regional systems.

This was disclosed in a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, in Accra.

It said 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.

“It also facilitates technical assistance, training and the provision of equipment to support Ghana's security agencies”, it added.

The release stated that the Partnership is not a sudden initiative, but rather builds on longstanding cooperation between Ghana and the European Union, which over the years has supported various security and governance programmes in the country and the West African sub-region.

The Ministry said 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.

“Ghana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remain fully protected under this arrangement, and the cooperation is based on mutual respect, shared interests, and Ghana’s national security priorities”, it added.

According to the Ministry, their attention has been drawn to misinformation and misinterpretations circulating in sections of the public domain regarding the nature and implications of the Partnership, hence assured the public that such claims are inaccurate and do not reflect the intent of the agreement.

The government said its decision reflects current security challenges in West Africa, including the spread of violent extremism in the Sahel and threats in the Gulf of Guinea.

It further affirmed that Ghana’s position on global issues remains unchanged, including its stance at the United Nations on the transatlantic slave trade. “Ghana remains committed to its policy of non-alignment and will continue to engage all partners in a manner that serves its national interest,” the statement added.

The Ministry reiterated Ghana’s foreign policy principles of good neighbourliness, Pan Africanism and peaceful coexistence and emphasized on Government’s assurance to the public that transparency, accountability and the protection of national sovereignty will continue to guide all international engagements.