Ghana, EU deepen security cooperation with new defence support plans

Ghana and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defence and security cooperation, with the EU announcing plans to provide additional support through the European Peace Facility (EPF) in 2027 to boost Ghana's defence capabilities.

The commitment was made during high-level discussions held at the Ministry of Defence in Accra on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, as both sides explored ways to enhance cooperation in tackling evolving security threats, improving military preparedness and promoting peace and stability across West Africa.

The meeting brought together Deputy Minister for Defence Ernest Brogya Genfi, European Union Ambassador to Ghana Rune Skinnebech, Head of Division for the European Peace Facility Dorota Dlouchy Suliga, and EU Policy Officer Maria Castaldi.

Discussions focused on expanding Ghana-EU defence collaboration, strengthening the operational readiness of the Ghana Armed Forces and addressing emerging regional security challenges, including terrorism, organised crime and the protection of critical infrastructure.

The engagement also reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Ghana and the European Union in advancing regional peace and security initiatives.

Speaking during the meeting, Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi said the government is implementing measures to strengthen Ghana's national security architecture in response to evolving threats within the sub-region.

He explained that the government is placing significant emphasis on enhancing the operational capacity of the Ghana Armed Forces, particularly the Ghana Navy, to improve maritime security and safeguard the country's territorial waters.

According to Mr. Genfi, strengthening national defence remains central to protecting Ghana's strategic assets and maintaining stability in an increasingly complex regional security environment.

The government is focused on enhancing counter-terrorism initiatives and deploying operational platforms to protect critical national infrastructure and other strategic assets."

He also expressed Ghana's appreciation to the European Union for its continued partnership and sustained support for the country's defence sector.

Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Dorota Dlouchy Suliga, Head of Division for the European Peace Facility, reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting Ghana's efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities.

She announced that the European Union intends to provide additional funding through the European Peace Facility (EPF) next year to further enhance Ghana's military capacity.

The European Union intends to provide funding through the European Peace Facility in the coming year to support the enhancement of Ghana's defence capabilities."

According to Ms. Suliga, the planned support reflects the EU's broader commitment to promoting peace, security and stability across Ghana and the wider West African region.

The discussions highlighted growing concerns over security threats confronting West Africa, including terrorism, violent extremism, organised transnational crime and instability in parts of the Sahel.

Both Ghana and the European Union agreed that stronger international partnerships are essential to improving regional resilience and enabling countries to respond effectively to emerging security risks.

Officials also emphasised the importance of strengthening defence institutions, improving operational readiness and enhancing collaboration among regional and international partners.

The meeting underscored the strong diplomatic and security relationship between Ghana and the European Union, which has expanded over the years to include cooperation in defence, governance, peacebuilding and sustainable development.

The planned support through the European Peace Facility is expected to reinforce Ghana's efforts to modernise its defence capabilities while contributing to broader initiatives aimed at safeguarding peace and stability throughout the West African sub-region.

As security challenges continue to evolve, both Ghana and the European Union reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening cooperation and strengthening strategic partnerships to promote regional peace, protect critical infrastructure and enhance collective security.