Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called on the European Union (EU) to expand its support for technical and vocational education, reforms in the small-scale mining sector, and investments in Ghana’s green economy.

He made the call during the 2025 Ghana-European Union Partnership Dialogue held in Accra on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

Mr Ablakwa said the government is working to tackle development challenges under a renewed national agenda and urged the EU to align its cooperation with Ghana’s priority areas.

“This year’s Dialogue takes place against the backdrop of a renewed national vision under the reset agenda,” Mr Ablakwa stated. “We are calling for expanded support in areas such as technical education, climate financing, and Ghana’s anti-galamsey efforts.”

He said the discussions were anchored on four main areas: socio-economic cooperation, peace and security, international governance and human rights, and green growth and sustainability.

The Dialogue, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, brought together senior government officials, diplomats, and development partners to assess the progress of bilateral engagements and discuss new areas for cooperation.

President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, in a keynote address, described the meeting as “a testament to the shared commitment between Ghana and the EU to build a resilient, inclusive and sustainable future for their people.”

The President said Ghana remains “a committed partner” in the relationship with the EU, adding that both parties have built their partnership on “shared values and mutual respect.”

He described Ghana and the EU as “development allies and co-architects of a new global order that prioritises equity, innovation, and dignity.”

EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Irchad Razaaly, reaffirmed the Union’s continued support for Ghana’s development agenda.

He mentioned EU-backed projects such as the Kaleo solar power plant and the retrofitting of the Kpong Dam as examples of cooperation that align with Ghana’s goals.

Mr Razaaly also commended Ghana’s efforts in promoting regional peace and democratic governance, adding that the EU values its longstanding partnership with Ghana.

In his remarks, Ambassador Ramses Joseph Cleland, the Chief Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the Dialogue as an opportunity to strengthen relations between Ghana and the EU. 

He noted the importance of maintaining international partnerships at a time of changing global dynamics and growing threats to multilateral cooperation.

According to officials, the 2025 Dialogue represents renewed efforts to deepen cooperation in areas that directly affect the lives of Ghanaians, including job creation, environmental protection, and inclusive economic development.