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The European Union (EU) is shifting its cooperation with Ghana from traditional development grants to more sustainable investment partnerships, according to the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach. Speaking on the Joy Super Morning Show on Tuesday, Ambassador Skinnebach said the new approach aims to create conditions that make Ghana more attractive to investors by improving infrastructure, governance, and respect for human rights. “We are moving away from development grants, and we are moving towards investments,” he said. “What we can do, because we still have grants here in Ghana, is that we can create an environment that makes Ghana attractive for investment so the country can benefit from this investment package.” He noted that the EU is already supporting initiatives that strengthen transport systems and governance structures as part of efforts to enhance Ghana’s investment climate. The Ambassador added that Ghana’s global reputation on human rights and universal freedoms also plays a critical role in securing long-term investor confidence. “It requires infrastructure. We are doing it. It requires governance. We are doing it. It also requires reputation when it comes to human rights and universal freedoms, and we’re doing it,” he emphasised. The EU’s new development cooperation model reflects a broader strategy across Africa, where the bloc is prioritising trade, private sector growth, and sustainable investments over direct aid. In Ghana, this aligns with government efforts to attract foreign capital through initiatives such as the Ghana CARES ‘Obaatan pa’ programme and economic diversification plans.
