The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has indicated that Ghana is open to engaging European Union (EU) member states in discussions aimed at achieving a reciprocal reduction in e-visa fees, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
He said any adjustment to Ghana’s visa fees, which are currently approved by Parliament under the Fees and Charges Act, would depend on mutual agreement, particularly if EU countries take similar steps to reduce their own charges.
Speaking at the opening of the Ghana–EU Partnership Dialogue in Accra, Mr Ablakwa described relations between Ghana and the European Union as being at an “all-time high,” noting that cooperation had expanded beyond development assistance to include trade, investment, governance, climate action, peace and security, and human development.
He said the partnership had become increasingly comprehensive and forward-looking, with trade volumes surpassing one billion dollars, making the EU one of Ghana’s key trading partners.
Mr Ablakwa highlighted recent milestones in the relationship, including Ghana becoming the first African country to sign a Security and Defence Partnership Agreement with the EU, as well as achieving sustainable timber certification under the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) initiative.
He also referenced Ghana’s leadership role in international advocacy on reparatory justice, which contributed to a United Nations resolution recognising the trafficking of enslaved Africans as a crime against humanity.
According to him, several European partners have since expressed willingness to collaborate with Ghana on implementing the resolution, including France, which is expected to participate in upcoming discussions on next steps.
He further noted developments in cultural restitution efforts, citing commitments from countries such as Germany and the Netherlands to review and return identified artefacts, while religious institutions including the Catholic Church and the Church of Scotland have issued formal apologies in relation to historical injustices.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said Ghana’s development priorities under President John Dramani Mahama’s “Reset Agenda,” including the 24-Hour Economy policy, the Feed Ghana Programme, and the Women’s Development Bank, are being integrated into ongoing cooperation with the EU.
On migration, Mr Ablakwa said Ghana is closely monitoring the European Union’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum, which is expected to take effect in June 2026, adding that the government supports efforts to combat irregular migration and human trafficking while ensuring humane implementation of migration policies.
He also criticised the recruitment of Ghanaian youth into foreign conflicts, calling for stronger international safeguards.
Looking ahead, the Minister said Ghana intends to deepen coordination with the EU ahead of the next African Union–EU Dialogue, especially as President Mahama prepares to assume the chairmanship of the African Union in February 2027.
