Accra: The European Union (EU) and its Member States, under the Global Gateway initiative, have announced a significant commitment exceeding £800 million, approximately GH?13 billion, towards infrastructure projects in Ghana's energy, health, and transport sectors. This announcement was made by the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Irchad Razaaly.
According to Ghana News Agency, the investment encompasses £55 million dedicated to local vaccine production, £62 million for the retrofitting of the Kpong Dam, and an anticipated £370 million for the advancement of smart and sustainable cities in northern Ghana. The Global Gateway initiative integrates multiple infrastructure projects with investments in regulatory standards, technology transfer, and know-how, with the aim of enhancing the economic completeness of partner countries like Ghana.
The initiative is driven by the combined efforts of Team Europe, which involves all EU institutions, Member States, their Development Financial Institutions, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the EBRD, and the European private sector. Mr. Razaaly emphasized the EU's increased investments in key infrastructure, stating the ongoing collaboration with Ghana to build smart and sustainable cities with equal access to energy, clean water, and sanitation.
Speaking at the Europe Day Reception in Accra, the Ambassador reiterated the EU's dedication to deepening its partnership with Ghana in areas such as trade, security, climate resilience, and youth empowerment. He stated, "The EU remains a credible, reliable, and dependable partner to Ghana. In these turbulent times, it is ever more important to collaborate with like-minded friends and allies. We are here to stay."
The Europe Day celebration is a prominent event that brings together the Diplomatic Corps, government officials, private sector leaders, civil society members, and media professionals. This year's event was particularly significant as it marked the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for the European Union.
Mr. Razaaly proudly declared that the EU-Ghana partnership is stronger than ever, with Ghana remaining a preferred partner to the EU. From 2021 to 2027, Team Europe plans to invest nearly £1 billion, equivalent to GH?16 billion, in Ghana's infrastructure development. In terms of peace and security, the EU has become a key partner to Ghana, providing military equipment worth £50 million and targeted training for Ghana's military and civilian security forces.
The EU also supports over 30 security-related projects in Ghana, covering areas from conflict prevention to border management and maritime security. In education, the EU has established a Pact for Skills with Ghana, focusing on Technical and Vocational Training. Each year, the EU and its Member States offer scholarships to 1,000 Ghanaian students and professionals.
Mr. George Opare-Addo, Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, highlighted the pivotal nature of the partnership with the EU, grounded in shared values of peace, prosperity, and people-centered development. He stated, "Together, we advance priorities from education to youth development and infrastructure, ensuring no one is left behind."
