The European Union (EU) has described Ghana’s ongoing economic recovery as “positively surprising,” while urging sustained reforms to ensure long-term stability.
EU Ambassador to Ghana, H.E Rune Skinnebach, made the remarks at a press briefing to launch Europe Month, noting that the bloc is closely monitoring Ghana’s improving economic indicators.
He said while recent developments in the economy are encouraging, maintaining the gains will depend on consistent policy reforms and structural discipline.
Mr. Skinnebach cautioned that external factors such as global commodity prices and debt restructuring outcomes have also contributed to the recovery, stressing the need to guard against a reversal of progress.
“It is a development that we follow closely that is positively surprising. We need to keep that situation sustainable because success is based on reforms, it is also based on gold prices, debt restructuring efforts and we cannot have that coming up again,” he said.
On concerns regarding slavery as a historical injustice, the Ambassador clarified the EU’s position on a recent United Nations vote, explaining that abstention does not reflect denial of the issue.
He said the EU and its member states continue to acknowledge the legacy of slavery, with some countries already undertaking restitution efforts, including the return of cultural artefacts.
Mr. Skinnebach also highlighted the EU’s development priorities in Ghana, noting that a significant portion of its support is targeted at addressing regional disparities.
He explained that about 60 percent of EU development programmes in Ghana are focused on the northern regions, a strategy aimed at reducing vulnerability and mitigating potential spillover effects from instability in neighbouring countries driven by socio-economic challenges.
