Ghana

As part of the transition to a green and circular economy, the EU partners with Ghana to ensure sustainable cocoa production and reforestation:  

• Promoting the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the cocoa value chain and ensure compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation and directive on corporate sustainability due diligence through initiatives like the Sustainable Cocoa Programme and projects that promote forest protection and traceability, in partnership with (GIZ), the European Forest Institute (EFI), and others.
• Supporting reforestation and land management (e.g. Regreening Africa), while also addressing climate risks and building resilience in vulnerable communities.

Together with Ghana, the EU is advancing the energy transition to foster reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy access. Efforts are focused on:

• Expanding clean energy generation by supporting solar power development, including the flagship Kaleo solar plant and preparatory studies for future projects such as a solar park and pumped storage solutions.
• Rehabilitatingkey infrastructure, such as the Kpong Dam (with EIB), to ensure more efficient and sustainable electricity production.
• Modernisingelectricity distribution networks and strengthening interconnections, particularly in northern Ghana and with neighbouring Burkina Faso.
• Supportingregional energy integration through initiatives with ECOWAS, including the West African Power Pool and the promotion of renewable energy markets.

The EU contributes to strengthening Ghana’s vaccine production and health system by:

• Supporting the regulatory framework, in partnership with the Food and Drugs Authority and the National Vaccines’ Institute.
• Supporting the development of a fill and finish factory
• Contributing to skills development, research and development, and other dimensions of the ecosystem.

The EU works with Ghana to address development and security challenges in the north of the country, where spillover from the Sahel region creates added pressure on communities and institutions. Initiatives focus on:

• Strengtheningsecurity and defence capacities by supporting the Ghana Armed Forces,  and regional security cooperation, including anti-terrorism and anti-trafficking efforts.
• Preventingviolent extremism through local resilience-building, support to civil society, and regional peacebuilding initiatives along border areas.
• Boostingaccess to services notably water and sanitation (as well as flood prevention infrastructures for smart and sustainable cities such as Tamale, Wa, Bolgatanga, Yendi, Nalegiru, and Damango). It also includes sustainable energy and climate resilience by modernising electricity networks and supporting research on climate and social transformation.
• Supportingsustainable agriculture, livelihoods inclusive rural development through targeted investments in agribusiness, food security, the pastoral economy and entrepreneurship. Examples include the EU-Ghana Agriculture Programme, investments in feeder roads and irrigation in northern Ghana, and food security responses.
• Providingprotection and durable solutions for displaced populations in coordination with humanitarian partners such as UNHCR and UNICEF.

The EU supports Ghana in fostering a stronger private sector, improving trade competitiveness, and enhancing transport connectivity. Key actions include:

• Strengtheningaccess to finance for SMEs, including through the Team Europe Initiative Investing in Young Businesses in Africa (IYBA).
• Promoting trade,responsible investment and value chains’ upgrading, including in strategic sectors such as cocoa.  
• Supporting digital transition through regional initiatives on data governance, connectivity, and innovation.
• Upscaling technical and vocational education and training (TVET) including green and digital skills with ILO.

The EU and Ghana also collaborate in managing migration and mobility, notably by:

• Strengthening governance and supporting reintegration in partnership with IOM.
• Promoting legal pathways and skills development in partnership with the German Development Agency (GIZ).
• Fighting against trafficking and protecting returnees.

The EU supports Ghana in promoting good governance, strengthening democratic institutions, and empowering civil society, youth, and women. Efforts focus on:

• Improvingthe rule of law and fighting corruption through institutional reforms and stronger accountability mechanisms.
• Enhancing public financial management, including through support to green budgeting.
• Empoweringcivil society, youth, and women through targeted initiatives that promote civic education, digital innovation, and democratic participation.