President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says he is looking forward to Danish progressive support and contributions in the upcoming summit between the European Union and the African Union in February, 2022.
The upcoming summit between heads of state of African governments and their European counterparts, which will take place in the Belgian capital of Brussels, will focus among other issues youth unemployment, the security situation in the Sahel region of West Africa and the maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea also in the West African subregion.
The meeting will also discuss climate change issues and adopting sustainable green technology as the 2 continents look into the future.
These were disclosed when the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen paid a courtesy call on President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House as part of her two-day working visit to Ghana.
Speaking during bilateral talks held between the 2 countries, President Akufo-Addo recalled the historic ties between the 2 nations and said it’s a great deal of pleasure in welcoming her to Ghana.
The president said the visit provided the base for the 2 nations to consolidate relations between the 2 countries.
President Akufo-Addo further stated that the upcoming meeting between the EU and the AU will focus on job creation, security, and jihadists threats in the Sahel region and the maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea as well as the issues of economic importance. He said the time has come for a significant review in relation to the 2 continents.
He also accentuated Ghana’s social and political architecture and hoped that the architecture is strengthened and empowered with cooperation with Danish friends.
For her part, the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen agreed with President Akufo-Addo was right about issues that will take centre stage at the AU and EU meeting in Brussels. She also harped on the relationship between the two countries and said climate change is a platform for further cooperation after 60 years of relations between Ghana and Denmark.
The Danish Prime Minister also highlighted water supply was one of areas of cooperation among many others.
She mentioned the issue of radicalization in the West Africa subregion and confirmed that it is in the common interest of both countries to discuss issues.
She also touched on youth unemployment among the topics to be discussed in Brussels, and commended President Akufo-Addo for his fight against the Covid19 pandemic in Ghana.
The Prime Minister while in Ghana will also meet with Danish companies, Ghanaian CSOs and explore the extensive water cooperation between Denmark and Ghana.
She will also visit Tema to hear about the city cooperation between Tema and Aarhus in Denmark, Danish covid-19 response to UNICEF activities to improve water and sanitation, and the commercial activities in the water sector.
The Prime Minister will also visit Tema Port, a joint venture by Danish APM Terminals, Bolloré, and Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.
The two countries later signed two agreements to boost cooperation in combating climate change.
The two agreements are geared towards zero-emission in maritime transport, water efficiency, and conservation.
By: Isaac Clottey
