Accra: Ghana and the European Union in Ghana on Thursday reaffirmed their longstanding partnership and commitment to deeper cooperation at the 2026 Europe Day Reception in Accra. The event, hosted at the EU Residence, brought together diplomats, government officials, traditional leaders, development partners, and members of the diplomatic corps to celebrate 50 years of the European Union's physical presence in Ghana under the theme: 'Golden Bridges.'
According to Ghana News Agency, EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Rune Skinnebach, described the celebration as a reflection of a strong and enduring partnership built on shared values, mutual respect, and cooperation. The evening unfolded into a celebration of culture, music, and culinary diversity. Fourteen EU member states represented in Ghana transformed the reception grounds into a mosaic of European tastes and traditions, offering guests a rich assortment of delicacies and beverages. Patrons sampled cuisines reflecting Europe's cultural diversity, while conversations flowed under the warm Accra evening sky.
The event featured music from legendary Ghanaian highlife icon Kojo Antwi, which dissolved diplomatic formality into a shared human connection. The Europe Day celebration, observed annually on May 9, commemorates the formation of the European Union and the ideals of peace, solidarity, and cooperation championed by the Schuman Declaration of 1950. Mr. Skinnebach noted that although Accra had undergone massive transformation over the years, Ghana's warmth, generosity, and hospitality remained unchanged.
He emphasized the importance of peace, stability, and international law, especially highlighted by the ongoing Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. The Ambassador stressed the critical nature of partnerships between countries sharing common democratic values. He described Ghana as one of the EU's most trusted partners in Africa and reaffirmed the bloc's commitment to supporting Ghana's development agenda.
Mr. Skinnebach highlighted the EU's Global Gateway Investment Package for Africa, aimed at mobilizing 150 billion Euros for sustainable investments across the continent. Ghana is set to benefit from investments in transport infrastructure, energy, digitalization, education, skills development, and governance reforms. 'Already over one billion is allocated to Ghana, and more is on its way,' he disclosed.
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, representing the Government of Ghana, commended the European Union in Ghana for five decades of partnership and cooperation. She stated that the relationship between Ghana and the EU had evolved beyond development assistance into broader collaboration in trade, investment, governance, security, and cultural exchange, built on trust, shared values, and mutual respect.
Dr. Lartey acknowledged the EU's support towards Ghana's democratic governance, rule of law, and human rights promotion, describing the partnership as strategic and beneficial. She expressed Ghana's commitment to creating an enabling environment for investments through transparency, macroeconomic stability, and stronger institutions. The Minister also welcomed the EU's Global Gateway initiative and expressed optimism that upcoming Ghana-EU partnership dialogues would unlock new opportunities in climate action, trade facilitation, security, and digital transformation.