On September 1st, 2021, I arrived in Ghana. This was an exciting day for me, as Ghana had always captured my imagination. The names of Kwame Nkrumah and other great African leaders still resonate back from my student years. From my previous job as head of West Africa in the European Union, my interest for Ghana has only grown over the years. 

Coming back to the continent is also a fairly emotional endeavour for me. I was born and grew up in Madagascar where I spent my childhood and studied law. I left to study international relations in France (at the Sorbonne) and joined the French diplomatic service. My first overseas assignment was in South Africa. Following that, I have been working in Brussels, and eventually joined the European Union again with a professional emphasis on Africa. 

What will I focus on in Ghana in the coming years? Together with my team at the EU Delegation and my colleagues of the EU Member States (Team Europe) we will notably promote: 

• Good Governance and Security;
• Green Growth and Jobs;
• Smart and Sustainable Cities. 

Not only does Ghana have an impressive track record on democracy and stability, it is also actively promoting these values across the region, especially under the leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo as chair of ECOWAS. Accra is also host to the AfCFTA Secretariat, making Ghana an economic hub for the continent. As we know from our own experience, well-managed free trade between nations in a region profits all. 

As Ghana's largest development partner, Team Europe is proud to see that its contribution has an impact on the daily lives of the Ghanaian people. Importantly, the EU has contributed to Ghana’s efforts to get its population vaccinated in providing a significant number of vaccines under the COVAX mechanism - and now we are supporting Ghana achieve its vaccine manufacturing ambitions. 

The daunting duty to leave the planet cleaner and greener for the next generation is also clearly a shared interest. Undeniably, the Paris Climate Agreement is of paramount importance to the European Union and the African Union alike. The European Green Deal and Global Gateway will be very central in our partnership with Ghana for the coming years. Together, we endeavour to promote future-proof jobs, reduction of waste, sustainable consumption, and  innovative products and services, more friendly to the environment - all part of the recipe for a fair green a digital transition.

I hope you stay informed about what the EU is doing in Ghana in real time by visiting our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn pages. You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram: @IrchadR.

H.E. Irchad Razaaly 

Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Ghana