EU Warns Against Recruitment of Africans for Russia-Ukraine War
By Maame Efua Kwaduah
The High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas has cautioned that Russia’s war on Ukraine has global consequences, including impacts being felt in Africa.
She warned against the recruitment of Ghanaians into the conflict, stressing that African citizens should not be drawn into wars that are not their own.
According to her, beyond the economic consequences of the war, Russia’s unethical recruitment of African nationals preys on economic hardship noting that such developments must be discouraged.
She made the remarks during the signing of a Security and Defence Partnership agreement between Ghana and the European Union in Accra, aimed at strengthening cooperation in counter-terrorism, conflict prevention, cyber security and maritime security.
Ms. Kallas described Ghana as a peaceful and democratic anchor in the region and said the EU and Ghana share a long-standing partnership that goes beyond development and trade, adding that the new agreement takes the relationship to a new level.
She noted that the agreement, the first of its kind with an African country, will allow both sides to work more closely on security and defence issues that affect citizens in both Europe and Africa.
She said the EU has provided a €50 million support package to Ghana since 2023, including surveillance drones, anti-drone guns, motorcycles and other military equipment to support Ghana’s security operations, particularly in the northern part of the country and the Gulf of Guinea.
She added that the support forms part of efforts to help Ghana and other West African countries counter terrorism, strengthen border security and enhance maritime security in the sub-region.
Ms. Kallas also indicated that the EU’s Global Gateway initiative is delivering results in Ghana, including support for a vaccine production centre, a pharmaceutical hub and assistance to timber exporters to access the European market.
She further expressed the European Union’s commitment to working with Ghana during its upcoming African Union chairmanship, stressing the importance of cooperation with trusted partners in addressing global challenges.
The National Security Coordinator, COP Abdul-Razark, on his part, described the agreement as a significant step in strengthening the long-standing relationship between Ghana and the European Union.
He said the signing of the Security and Defence Partnership demonstrates shared objectives between Ghana and the EU and signals the EU’s determination to support Ghana’s efforts at tackling emerging security threats at both national and regional levels.
According to him, the complexity of modern security challenges requires stronger international partnerships and strategic alliances to ensure stability within the country and the sub-region.
He noted that previous EU support, including training programmes and equipment donations, has produced positive results, with some Ghanaian security personnel who received training now serving as trainers themselves.
COP Abdul-Razark assured that all equipment provided under the partnership would be used strictly for the intended purposes, managed responsibly and maintained to the highest standards in support of Ghana’s national security objectives.
He expressed optimism that the partnership would deepen cooperation between Ghana and the European Union and further strengthen Ghana’s capacity to respond to evolving security threats. The Security and Defence Partnership between Ghana and the European Union is expected to enhance cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, cyber security, conflict prevention, maritime security, crisis management and peace operations.
