President John Dramani Mahama has called for a new phase in Ghana’s partnership with the European Union (EU), urging both sides to move beyond a relationship primarily focused on aid and development assistance towards one driven by trade, investment, innovation, industrialisation and shared prosperity.

Speaking at the opening session of the Ghana-EU Partnership Dialogue in Accra on Thursday, June 11, 2026, President Mahama said the longstanding relationship between Ghana and the EU had evolved into a strategic partnership founded on democratic values, mutual respect and shared interests.

The dialogue brought together key government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, his deputy James Gyakye Quayson, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, and EU ambassadors accredited to Ghana.

Partnership Built on Shared Interests

President Mahama noted that the meeting was taking place at a time of significant global transformation, stressing that partnerships anchored in trust and common interests were now more important than ever.

He described Ghana-EU relations as one of “interconnected destinies,” explaining that Ghana’s economic success creates opportunities for European businesses, while Europe’s prosperity benefits Ghana through increased trade, investment, innovation and technology transfer.

According to the President, both parties must work towards strengthening and modernising their cooperation to address emerging global challenges.

“Our objective should not be merely to maintain existing cooperation, but to elevate it to a whole new level,” he stated.

Economic Recovery Showing Positive Signs

Touching on Ghana’s economy, President Mahama said the country was demonstrating encouraging signs of recovery and resilience after emerging from one of its most difficult economic periods.

He highlighted improvements in fiscal consolidation, macroeconomic stability and private sector-led growth, noting that inflation was declining while investor confidence continued to improve.

However, he stressed that economic stability alone was not enough, insisting that the ultimate goal was to improve the living conditions of ordinary Ghanaians.

The President said the government’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative and accelerated export development programme would play a central role in boosting productivity across agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, transport, tourism and digital services.

“Our goal is simple: Ghana must produce more, export more and create more jobs for our young people. The future of our economy lies in adding value to our products and services rather than exporting raw materials,” he said.

EU Pledges Support for Industrialisation Agenda

The EU Ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s transition towards a trade and investment-led economy.

He commended the government for its economic recovery efforts, noting that Ghana had surpassed targets set under the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Credit Facility programme.

Mr Skinnebach said the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy would support and finance strategic infrastructure and industrial projects aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth and job creation.

He, however, urged government to address challenges affecting European businesses, including delays in permit approvals, land title acquisition, port operations and concerns over recently introduced e-visa fees for non-African visitors.

Security Cooperation Deepens

The Ambassador also highlighted the Security and Defence Partnership Agreement signed earlier this year between Ghana and the EU, describing it as the first such agreement between the EU and an African country.

Valued at more than €100 million, the partnership focuses on military equipment support, training and efforts to prevent the spread of violent extremism from the Sahel region into coastal West Africa.

Ghana-EU Relations at an ‘All-Time High’

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described relations between Ghana and the European Union as being at an “all-time high,” citing significant achievements over the past year.

He noted that Ghana had become the first African country to formalise a Security and Defence Partnership Agreement with the EU and the first on the continent to secure sustainable timber certification under the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) process.

Mr Ablakwa said the partnership had expanded significantly beyond development cooperation to include trade, investment, governance, climate action, peace and security, and human development.

Focus on Reparatory Justice

The Foreign Affairs Minister also highlighted Ghana’s leadership role in advancing reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent.

He said Ghana’s efforts under President Mahama’s leadership contributed to the adoption of United Nations Resolution A/RES/80/250, which recognises the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans as one of the gravest crimes against humanity.

According to him, cooperation with the EU on the issue has remained constructive, with countries such as France, the Netherlands and Germany showing support for discussions on reparations and the return of cultural artefacts.

Mr Ablakwa disclosed that French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to participate virtually in a high-level conference on the next steps towards implementing the resolution, scheduled for June 17 to 19.

Government Open to Dialogue on E-Visa Fees

Responding to concerns raised by the EU regarding Ghana’s new e-visa fees, Mr Ablakwa said government was prepared to engage in discussions based on reciprocity.

He explained that visa charges are determined by Parliament under the Fees and Charges Act but indicated that the government would consider reviewing the fees should EU member states also reassess visa charges imposed on Ghanaian travellers.

The Ghana-EU Partnership Dialogue forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation between Ghana and the European Union in areas of economic transformation, security, governance and sustainable development. :::

Two Ghanaian citizens, Barbara Twum and Jennifer Owusu, have petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to take disciplinary action against the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, over allegations that he made sexually offensive and misogynistic remarks directed at former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Akosua Manu, popularly known as Kozie.

The petitioners are urging the President to invoke Section 6 of the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics (2025) to investigate the matter and impose appropriate sanctions, including a formal reprimand or the possible termination of the minister’s appointment.

In a petition dated June 9, 2026, and submitted through the Executive Secretary at Jubilee House, Barbara Twum and Jennifer Owusu described the alleged remarks as a serious violation of the ethical standards expected of public office holders.

“The petition concerns serious breaches of the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics (2025) by Dr. Frank Amoakohene arising from sexually offensive and misogynistic remarks published on social media,” portions of the petition stated.

Central to the complaint is an alleged Facebook post attributed to Dr. Amoakohene, which reportedly read: “Akosua Kumaa, wokon do anaa? You want to have a taste of it?”

According to the petitioners, the statement was sexually suggestive, degrading and disrespectful towards women, particularly Ms. Manu. They argued that the language amounted to sexual harassment and fell far below the standards of civility, professionalism and dignity required of a Minister of State.

The petition further contends that the alleged comment constitutes a crude and deliberate sexual reference that cannot reasonably be interpreted in any non-offensive context. It also argues that the statement creates a hostile environment for women and undermines efforts to promote gender equality and respect in public discourse.

The petitioners maintain that the alleged conduct breaches several provisions of the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics, including obligations requiring public officials to treat all citizens with dignity and respect.

Beyond the ethical concerns, the petition also cites constitutional principles on equality and non-discrimination, arguing that the alleged public humiliation of a woman by a senior government official is inconsistent with Ghana’s constitutional commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women.

“The sexual degradation and public humiliation of a woman by a Minister of State is fundamentally incompatible with the constitutional guarantee of equality and respect for human dignity,” the petition asserted.

Consequently, the petitioners are requesting two key remedies from the President: a formal written reprimand to be placed on Dr. Amoakohene’s official record and consideration of his removal from office.

“Considering the gravity of the offending statement and the multiple breaches of the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics (2025) established herein, we respectfully urge Your Excellency to exercise the authority vested in you under Section 6 of the Code,” the petition stated.

As of the time of filing this report, Dr. Frank Amoakohene had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition.

A resident of Teiman Burger Town, Mr. Kingsley Kwafo Ottopah, has petitioned the government, security agencies and the media over what he describes as a prolonged land dispute involving the Chief of Teiman, Nii Manle Dzaha I, and the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly (LaNMMA), Hon. Faila Ibrahim.

In a petition circulated to various media organizations, Mr. Ottopah alleges unlawful demolitions, intimidation by alleged land guards, diversion of government-funded infrastructure projects, and disregard for police directives.

According to him, the Teiman Chief and the MCE facilitated the diversion of contractors working on government-approved urban road and drainage projects from the designated Teiman Layout area to Burger Town, an area he claims is not captured in the approved development plan. He contends that the construction activities have resulted in the destruction of private property and the creation of drainage systems in locations not originally approved, while parts of Teiman continue to experience severe flooding during the rainy season.

Mr. Ottopah further alleges that the actions have led to financial losses to the state and has called on President John Dramani Mahama to intervene by investigating the matter and taking appropriate action against all individuals found culpable.

Providing background to the dispute, Mr. Ottopah stated that he legally acquired the parcel of land in 2005 from the Kpobi We Family after conducting due diligence with the Town and Country Planning Department and the Lands Commission. He said the land was duly registered in his name and that he had occupied it peacefully for more than two decades.

He claims the dispute began following the enstoolment of Nii Manle Dzaha I, who allegedly requested that he repurchase the same parcel of land. According to Mr. Ottopah, the demand created conflicting ownership claims over the property.

Mr. Ottopah further alleged that on April 4, 2026, individuals he identified as land guards associated with the Chief destroyed building materials and a 20-foot container situated on the property. He reported the incident to the Kuotam Police Station, after which the case was transferred to the Greater Accra Regional Police Command.

The petition also references events on June 3, 2026, during which Mr. Ottopah claims excavators working on a government drainage project entered his property and caused damage despite the approved layout plan allegedly showing no road or drainage alignment through the area. He further alleges that the MCE played a role in authorizing the project activities.

According to Mr. Ottopah, the Chief later appeared before the police following a summons and was granted bail with instructions to return on June 11, 2026, accompanied by persons linked to the case. However, he alleges that further excavation and destruction of property occurred after the Chief’s release.

Describing the developments as a threat to property rights and the rule of law, Mr. Ottopah is calling for an independent investigation into the matter. He is specifically requesting the dismissal of the LaNMMA MCE if allegations of misconduct are established and for legal action to be taken against any individuals found responsible for unlawful acts.

Mr. Ottopah says he has submitted supporting documents, photographs, videos, layout plans and other materials to the relevant authorities, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Greater Accra Regional Minister, to aid investigations.

The allegations have not yet been independently verified, and the parties named in the petition have not publicly responded to the claims at the time of publication.

Note: This version follows a balanced news-reporting style by attributing all allegations to the petitioner and avoiding statements that present unverified claims as established facts.