Brussels: Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has addressed the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, a platform for strategic dialogue on global partnerships in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. The forum offers an opportunity to reflect on how nations can collaborate meaningfully in a world marked by tension, inequality, and shifting power dynamics.
According to Ghana News Agency, Vice President Prof Opoku-Agyemang spoke on ‘The State of the World’ panel, emphasizing the importance of mutual benefit and cooperation in international partnerships. Drawing from African philosophy and thought, she highlighted the increasing awareness of the need to redefine international relationships. She stressed that peace cannot be achieved when others feel left out, and partnerships must be rooted in fairness and agency. She praised Ghana’s vibrant and determined youth, empowered by the Government’s 24-Hour Economy Policy, which encourages innovation, productivity, and nation-building.
The Vice Presid
ent further emphasized Africa’s role in actively participating in shaping global dialogue and outcomes. She reiterated the necessity for the diversification of partnerships to prevent domination by a single bloc and urged Africa to invest in research, innovation, and value addition to its natural resources. She pointed out the unsustainable cycle of exporting raw materials and importing finished products at higher costs, which undermines both sovereignty and prosperity.
Prof Opoku-Agyemang stressed that true partnership must involve co-decision-making, agency, and mutual accountability. She affirmed that Ghana is open to collaboration, provided it is grounded in respect, fairness, and shared progress. She concluded by highlighting the pivotal moment for the global community, especially Africa, to redefine engagement rules to ensure development and peace are shared global responsibilities, not privileges.