Ghana, EU sign defence pact as Accra deepens security ties

Ghana and the European Union have signed a new defence and security partnership

in Accra, opening the way for closer cooperation on counterterrorism, cybersecurity, border control and maritime security as instability spreads across parts of West Africa.

The agreement was signed by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Ghanaian Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

The move follows earlier confirmation from Kallas that Ghana was among a small group of countries set to conclude new defence partnerships with the EU, as Brussels expands its security ties beyond Europe.

The partnership also builds on existing EU engagement in the Gulf of Guinea, where cooperation with Ghana has already included security planning and tailored defence support.

During the visit, EU representatives delivered equipment to the Ghanaian military, including drones and other security assets, underlining the practical direction of the pact.

For Accra, the agreement reflects a forward-looking effort to strengthen national preparedness as militant violence linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates continues to affect neighbouring states including Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. More broadly, it places Ghana more firmly within the EU’s regional security strategy for West Africa.