Prof Ransford Gyampo, CES Director Ushers Ambassador Diana Acconcia to the venue
In its 7th Lecture Series, the Centre for European Studies (CES) hosted Ambassador Diana Acconcia, Head of the European Union Delegation in Ghana, to speak to the issues bordering on the future of EU-Africa Relations.
Held on Thursday 28th February, 2019, at the Jones Quartey Building in the University of Ghana, the lecture was attended by over 700 participants comprising students and faculty of the University of Ghana, representatives of the European Union Delegation in Ghana and from Brussels, media practitioners and some civil society leaders.
In his welcome remarks, Prof Ransford Gyampo, Director of the CES, noted that the most important external partner of Africa and the Africa Union over the years has been the European Union (EU). The joint Africa-EU Strategy signed in 2007, coupled with other key accords, such as the Cotonou Agreements, have inter alia, provided orientation and guiding frameworks for EU-Africa relations and partnership dialogue. Europe remains an important partner to Africa with regard to direct foreign investment, trade as well as foreign development aid. In addition, Europe offers Africa support in the development of an inclusive democratic systems, without which there would be no peace and sustainable development on the African continent.
In recent times, however, Prof Gyampo argued that Africa has witnessed intense Chinese interest in its development efforts. According to him, there seems to be Chinese intrusion and clamour for Africa. It appears China is doing everything possible surreptitiously and overtly to outdo and completely relegate European as well as other interests in Africa to the background.
Presenting her paper, Ambassador Acconcia noted that the future of EU-Africa relations would be based on shared values and mutual respect. This is because the EU has a stake in Africa’s development and would work towards ensuring a bright African future. The EU through the proposed initiative of the African New Alliance for Sustainable Development and Jobs will undertake several initiatives aimed at creating sustainable investment and employment opportunities in Africa.