The 2021 Ghana-European Union Political Dialogue Held
The Government of Ghana and the European Union (EU) have held the 2021 edition of their annual political dialogue.
Chairing the dialogue held recently in Accra, Ghana, was Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
Attending the Ghana-EU dialogue this year were representatives of EU member countries accredited to Ghana, the Ghanaian Government’s ministries, departments and agencies.
The discussions this year centered on issues of mutual interest to Ghana and the EU.
Thematic areas for discussion included the implementation of the controversial Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), business climate, sustainable fisheries partnership, sustainable cocoa production, regional development dynamics and stability, climate diplomacy and COP26.
In her welcome remarks at the dialogue session, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, stated that “Over the years, Ghana and the EU have enjoyed an enduring cooperation, originating from 1975 with the signing of the first financial protocol, the Lome 1 Convention, between the EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Member States.”
She added that “Those mutually fruitful interactions between Ghana and the EU, which are underpinned by historical and cultural antecedents, have expanded to include new areas of focus and provide the impetus for holding the annual Political Dialogues.”
She noted that “We expect that the 2021 Political Dialogue will assess the progress made on the
outcomes of the previous year’s Dialogue, whilst exploring other avenues for cooperation in the various thematic areas outlined in the agenda for the day. I am optimistic that the outcome of today’s discussions would further strengthen the existing cordial relations between Ghana and the EU and address perceived challenges for the mutual benefit of our peoples.”
