Rune Skinnebach in a group photograph with the participants. INSET: Rune Skinnebach
The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, has described Ghana as a peaceful and stable “island” in “unruly waters” despite growing insecurity in the Sahel and some neighbouring countries.
According to him, the EU remains committed to supporting Ghana to sustain its peace, stability and democratic gains while preventing possible spillover threats from conflict-prone areas within the sub-region.
Mr. Skinnebach said this in an interview with DAILY GUIDE at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, where he delivered a keynote address on scholarship opportunities at European universities.
He noted that Ghana continues to enjoy strong relations with the EU, disclosing that the EU has committed 150 billion euros under its Global Gateway Investment Package for Africa since 2022.
The ambassador stated that the package is aimed at complementing traditional development financing, international financial support and private sector investments across Africa.
He stressed that Ghana must continue to ensure political and macroeconomic stability, maintain a business-friendly environment, improve infrastructure and strengthen its legal framework to attract more European investments.
“If these are in place, European investors will come. If neighbouring countries offer better conditions, investors will move there instead,” he indicated.
Mr. Skinnebach disclosed that Ghana has already secured over one billion euros in Global Gateway investments, describing the current period as a favourable one for the country.
He also cited recent high-level engagements between Ghana and the EU, including the signing of the Peace and Security and Defence Partnership by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and Kaja Kallas.
Touching on Ghana’s economy, he commended the country’s peace, democracy and security, but cautioned that sustaining economic stability would require continuous reforms and prudent policies.
According to him, although Ghana’s economy has benefitted from high gold prices, maintaining the current reforms would be crucial, especially as the country approaches future elections.
On democracy, the EU envoy praised Ghana’s consistent democratic elections since 1992, but urged citizens to actively hold leaders accountable and ensure democracy strengthens social cohesion beyond election periods.
FROM David Afum, Kumasi