Europe Day at the Ambassador’s Residence

The Europe Day event promoted the diverse skills of Ghanaian youth with a display of young Ghanaian talents through a “Skills Village” and various performances. Second Lady Mrs. Samira Bawumia, Ministers of State, Ambassadors of EU Member States, His Royal Majesty the Ga Mantse, members of the diplomatic corps and other EU partners were among the guests.

The EU Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Irchad Razaaly, said “a young, dynamic and skilled workforce reduces unemployment and boosts sustainable and inclusive growth. So to bring life back into our economies and democracies, both on the European and African continents, the answer lies in turning to our young generations and providing them with the right skills to thrive.” Ambassador Razaaly also underscored the EU's support to Ghana's economic and social development, noting continued investment in key sectors such as job creation, environmental protection, and security.

Representing the Ghanaian government, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, Minister of Youth and Sports, stressed the value of Ghana's partnership with the EU in advancing the country’s development agenda, especially in the area of youth and skills. He stated that “investing in the youth remains a top priority of government and we are happy of the EU’s continuous support in that direction”.

Several performances followed the official ceremony, notably by poet Emma Ofosua and The Band Kokui and of course #TeamEurope was displayed throughout the celebration.

Support youth towards skills and employment

In the context of Europe Month celebrations, the EU organised a Job Fair for young Ghanaian jobseekers in Ashaiman, Tema, together with German Development Cooperation and the Don Bosco Technical Institute. The theme of the job fair "Connecting to future prospects: Skilling the youth" afforded graduating students the platform to demonstrate skills and technical knowledge acquired in their various fields. “I hope that today’s job fair gives you some hope that there are opportunities waiting for you out there – so please stay committed, ambitious and hard working. Because without you - the youth - our communities and countries in Europe and Africa cannot grow,” said EU Ambassador Razaaly.

In Team Europe spirit, the EU and German Development Cooperation launched the EU-Germany joint action on Jobs, Migration and Development of €9 million. The project will help promote employment notably for young Ghanaians and leverage the development potential of migration through regular migration, diaspora engagement and reintegration.

Team Europe visit to Mango Farms

Again in Team Europe spirit, German, French and Hungarian Ambassadors to Ghana joined the EU to visit the Hendy mango farms, owned and run by the two young and dynamic Hendy sisters and funded by the EU’s €6.2 million WACOMP project. During the visit, the EU and Member States experienced first-hand the impressive results that can happen when youth are given the right skills and resources.  From farming and  processing to marketing and export, Hendy Farms has huge potential to thrive on international markets – evidence that EU support to local value chains like mangoes can be a decisive driver of job creation and economic growth.

Cultural Outreach in Tamale

For the first time, the EU held some Europe Month activities to the north of the country. In Tamale,  the EU Ambassador first paid a courtesy call to traditional leader Ya-Na Abubakari II in Yendi, where they discussed the role of traditional authorities in job creation. Ambassador Razaaly then had the opportunity to meet and exchange with local youth on creative skills and ambitions in the arts and culture sector. The visit continued with music workshops in local primary schools, where the children learnt about the importance of nurturing creative skills and learning. The Tamale trip culminated with a Ghanaian-European Fusion concert at the Redclay studio by The Band Kokui, celebrating cultural and artistic bonds between the EU and Ghana through music.