The Government of Ghana and the European Union have resolved to continue to enhance their economic cooperation for their mutual benefit.
This took place during the Ghana-EU Political Dialogue held on Thursday, December 6, 2018, under the theme “EU Partnering Ghana Beyond Aid”. The political dialogue is part of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement which stipulates that “parties shall regularly engage in a comprehensive, balanced and deep political dialogue leading to commitments on both sides”.
The Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the Head of the European Union Delegation to Ghana, Her Excellency Madam Diana Acconcia co-chaired the meeting. Discussions during the dialogue focused on trade, investment, business environment in Ghana, migration and human rights, multilateral affairs and regional integration, common action on security and sustainable development among others.
His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in his address said the relations between Ghana and the individual EU-Member States had been fruitful over the years. He added that the enhanced relations had resulted in an increase in trade missions from EU Member States to Ghana, which had increased investment that would strengthen Ghana’s capacity towards industrialization.
He stated that the theme for this year’s dialogue “EU Partnering Ghana Beyond Aid” and last year’s theme of “Cooperation Beyond Partnership” reflect the collective resolve to re-orient cooperation towards the attainable vision of a “Ghana Beyond Aid “. He also said “the constructive ideas which were exchanged during the political dialogue would help to further transform the economies and uplift the lives of our peoples”.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey (MP) described the political dialogue as a constructive and proactive exchange which would collectively strengthen the Ghanaian economy, make it resilient and robust enough to support its people and also ensure its deep integration into the global economy.
She was hopeful that the EU partnership with Ghana would remain strong and help realize the vision of a “Ghana Beyond Aid”
