Prior to this agreement, Ghana had maintained long-standing security partnerships with the European bloc on a range of issues, including peacekeeping, governance, and counterterrorism. As one of the most stable countries in Africa in the post-Cold War era, Ghana and the EU have consistently found common ground for cooperation. The country’s strong democratic credentials, commitment to regional stability, and well-established diplomatic reach are among the qualities that have attracted sustained European engagement over the years. These shared values have laid the foundation for a more structured and formalised partnership.

In recent years, high-level EU delegations have frequently visited the seat of government in Accra to engage in discussions on mutual security and defence priorities. Notably, Charles Michel, former President of the European Council, visited in late 2022 to discuss pressing concerns, including the growing terrorist threat emanating from the Sahel. These engagements reflect an evolving relationship built on dialogue and shared strategic interests. After years of incremental collaboration, Ghana has now become the first African country to formalise such a comprehensive Security and Defence Partnership with the EU, setting a potential precedent for others.

The threat landscape

Located along the Greenwich Meridian and not far from the Equator, Ghana is geographically distant from continental Europe, yet strategically connected through a complex web of transnational dynamics. Between the two territories  lie numerous countries, diverse ecological zones, varied ethnic communities, and critical migration routes. This vast space is also characterised by overlapping and evolving security threats, which increasingly blur the line between national, regional and international security concerns.

The Sahel region, situated just north of Ghana and bordering the Sahara Desert that stretches to the Mediterranean coast, has emerged as a major hotspot of insecurity. It is currently home to some of the most dangerous and well-organised extremist groups in the world, many of which are affiliated with global terrorist networks. These groups compete for territorial control, exploit weak state institutions, and have displaced millions of civilians. Over the past decade, their capabilities have expanded significantly, with some even threatening to overrun national capitals. Particularly alarming is their recent expansion toward coastal West Africa, raising concerns about potential spillover into countries like Ghana, which so far has not recorded any terror attack.

One of the most significant consequences of the persistent terrorist threat in the Sahel has been widespread political instability. Since 2020, the three landlocked countries in the central Sahel have all experienced military coups, with some undergoing repeated takeovers. These developments represent a serious reversal of democratic gains made since the end of the Cold War. Despite promises by military regimes to restore order and combat terrorism more effectively, the region has paradoxically become the global epicentre of terrorist activity, highlighting the limitations of purely military approaches to complex security challenges.

In addition to terrorism, the region is grappling with rising inter-ethnic tensions and farmer-herder conflicts, largely driven by competition over increasingly scarce natural resources. The expansion of the Sahara Desert, exacerbated by climate change, has intensified these pressures. Efforts to address environmental degradation, such as the ambitious Great Green Wall initiative aimed at combating desertification and restoring livelihoods, have faced significant setbacks. Armed groups operating in these areas have hindered progress, making it difficult to achieve both environmental and economic recovery.

The convergence of insecurity, political instability, and environmental stress has created extremely harsh living conditions for the predominantly youthful populations of the region. With limited economic opportunities and growing uncertainty, many individuals are compelled to migrate in search of better prospects. This has contributed to increased northward migration flows, with people undertaking perilous journeys through North Africa and across the Mediterranean Sea in an attempt to reach Europe. The humanitarian and security implications of these migration patterns are profound for both Africa and Europe.

Given these interconnected and multifaceted threats, Europe has strong strategic incentives to deepen its security and defence engagements in Africa. Instability in the Sahel and surrounding regions has direct and indirect consequences for European security, particularly in areas such as migration, terrorism, and transnational crime. As such, partnerships with stable and reliable countries like Ghana are increasingly seen as essential components of Europe’s broader security architecture.

According to an official communication by the European Union, the partnership will focus on a wide array of priority areas. These include peacebuilding, crisis management, maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, and the prevention of violent extremism. It will also address emerging challenges such as hybrid threats, information manipulation, and cybersecurity. Additionally, the agreement emphasises conflict prevention, mediation, climate-related security risks, border management, and the fight against transnational organised crime. Importantly, it also highlights the need for capacity-building in defence institutions and the promotion of women’s participation in peace and security processes.

To realise these objectives, the EU has committed to strengthening the operational and institutional capacities of the Ghana Armed Forces and other national security agencies. This support is intended to enhance Ghana’s ability to protect its territorial integrity and sovereignty while also contributing more effectively to regional stabilisation efforts. Such assistance aligns closely with Ghana’s long-standing security priorities and its reputation as a proactive contributor to international peace and security.

Ghana has a well-established track record in promoting peace and stability across West Africa and beyond. It played a pivotal role in peacekeeping operations during the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone, contributing troops and resources to restore order. In 2013, Ghanaian forces also participated in efforts to counter extremist advances in Mali. These experiences have reinforced Ghana’s position as a credible and capable security partner. If effectively implemented, the new agreement with the EU could further enhance these contributions and generate mutual benefits for both parties.

In terms of technological and material assistance, the EU is expected to provide a comprehensive support package under the agreement. This includes advanced capabilities such as electronic warfare systems and explosive ordnance disposal equipment. In recent years, non-state actors—including extremist groups—have increasingly utilised drones and other emerging technologies to challenge state forces. To counter these evolving threats, African militaries must adopt innovative solutions and modernise their capabilities. Ghana has already made strides in local drone production, and with additional support from partners, it could significantly enhance its technological sophistication and operational effectiveness.

Possible challenges

Despite its potential benefits, the partnership has not been without controversy. Historical relations between Africa and Europe have often been marked by asymmetry and mistrust, leading to scepticism about new forms of cooperation. Some critics have raised concerns about the specifics of the agreement, particularly regarding transparency and accountability. Questions have also been asked about whether the partnership could pave the way for foreign military bases in Ghana. Although the government has firmly denied this, calls for greater public disclosure of the agreement’s details persist.

Another point of contention relates to the nature of the agreement itself. Some observers question why Ghana is the first African country to enter into such a partnership, while others have not. They argue that security arrangements of this magnitude should ideally be negotiated at the level of regional organisations, such as ECOWAS or the African Union, rather than through bilateral agreements. This perspective reflects broader debates about regional integration and collective security in Africa.

Ultimately, the success or failure of the partnership will determine its legitimacy and acceptance. If both Ghana and the EU demonstrate commitment to implementing its provisions effectively and transparently, the agreement could serve as a model for similar collaborations. Positive outcomes would likely encourage other African states to consider comparable arrangements, while also strengthening domestic support within Ghana.