The government has urged ongoing support and constructive dialogue in the battle against violent extremism in the West African region, as part of renewed initiatives to enhance the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) under the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang made this appeal on the inaugural day of the 7th AU–EU Summit in Luanda, Angola.
The two-day summit, scheduled for November 24 to 25, 2025, convenes Heads of State and high-ranking delegates from African Union and European Union Member States to reaffirm their enduring cooperation.
This gathering also commemorates 25 years of the AU–EU Partnership.
In her speech, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang warned that poverty is continually being exploited by extremist networks to incite instability throughout the subregion.
She emphasized that confronting this threat necessitates unity, community-driven peace-building initiatives, and addressing the underlying causes of insecurity.
“West Africa holds significant potential. It is a region characterized by vibrant economies and remarkably creative youthful energy. However, it also confronts substantial risks. Extremist networks take advantage of poverty, exclusion, and diminishing natural resources,” she remarked.
“The path forward requires unity, an emphasis on the root causes of insecurity, and community-oriented peace-building efforts. Ghana proposes convening a meeting focused on violent extremism,” she added.
The Vice President further called upon EU Member States to support Ghana’s initiative to present a motion at the United Nations in 2026, advocating for the formal recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as one of the most serious crimes against humanity.
“The African Union has designated 2025 as the Year of Reparation. Ghana, serving as the AU Champion on Reparations, is preparing to submit a UN resolution acknowledging the trans-Atlantic slave trade as one of the most severe crimes against humanity. We invite the EU to collaborate with us in this important effort,” she stated.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also emphasized the main priorities being addressed by the Mahama-led administration, which include acquiring an EU waiver for offshore patrols, substituting essential components of the pump hydro dam, and securing assistance for the Damongo Water Project in the Savannah Region.
