The European Union (EU) celebrated 50 years of physical presence and partnership in Ghana with a high-level Europe Day Reception under the theme “Golden Bridges.”

The 2026 celebration brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional leaders, development partners, and private sector representatives. Dignitaries included the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, as the official Government representative. The EU reception also welcomed the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, and the Buipewura, Abdulai Jinapor, Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area in the Savannah Region.

In his remarks, EU Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Rune Skinnebach, reflected on the significance of the milestone and reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Ghana.

“Today, we celebrate a successful partnership built on shared values, dialogue,e and cooperation, and a partnership we remain committed to strengthening for the benefit of our peoples,” he stated.

The Ambassador highlighted the evolution of EU-Ghana relations into a mature and strategic partnership anchored on mutual respect, peace, democracy, security, ty and sustainable development. The European Union remains Ghana’s leading development and security partner, largest investor, and top export market. The Ambassador confirmed the EU’s commitment to regional peace and stability through the implementation of over 30 security initiatives in Ghana, valued at more than EUR 100 million.

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, congratulated the European Union and its Member States on the milestone and commended the enduring relationship between Ghana and the EU. “It is not only a celebration of history, but also a reflection of a partnership that has matured, evolved, and deepened over the decades,” she stated.

The Minister highlighted the importance of the EU-Ghana relationship, describing it as one built on trust, shared values,s and mutual respect, with cooperation spanning governance, infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, trade, investment,nt and security.

She further welcomed the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for sustainable investment, transparency, innovation, and macroeconomic stability.

The Europe Day Reception celebrated Europe’s cultural diversity through culinary experiences from 14 EU Member States. A Special highlight of the celebration included a live performance by Ghana’s legend “Mr. Music Man” – Kojo Antwi, who lifted the event to new levels of entertainment and national pride with his timeless tunes.

As the European Union and Ghana commemorated a historic milestone, both parties expressed optimism about the future of the relationship and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the “golden bridges” connecting their peoples, economies, and shared aspirations for sustainable growth and prosperity.