No EU troops will be stationed in Ghana; Foreign Affairs Ministry clarifies defence deal

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed claims that Ghana’s new Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union will allow foreign troops to be stationed in the country, stating that no such provision exists in the agreement.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the Ministry said the deal does not permit the establishment of foreign military bases or the deployment of foreign soldiers on Ghanaian soil.

“The agreement neither provides for the establishment of foreign military bases in Ghana nor does it permit the stationing of foreign troops on Ghanaian soil,” the statement said.

The clarification follows weeks of public debate after Ghana signed the agreement with the European Union in Accra on March 24, 2026.

 The pact was signed by the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms Kaja Kallas, and Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

The Ministry said reports suggesting that the agreement could lead to a foreign military presence in Ghana were inaccurate and did not reflect the intent of the partnership.

It said the agreement provides a basis for cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, conflict prevention, cybersecurity, border management, maritime security and peace operations.

According to the Ministry, the arrangement also provides for an annual EU–Ghana Security and Defence Dialogue to guide discussions between the two sides.

The Ministry said Ghana’s armed forces remain responsible for protecting the country’s territory and that the partnership does not change that position.

It explained that the decision to enter the agreement was informed by security concerns within the West African sub-region, including threats linked to violent extremism in the Sahel and maritime security issues in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Ministry said “misinformation and misinterpretations” about the agreement had circulated in sections of the public domain and required clarification.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, had earlier stated Ghana’s position on foreign military bases during a policy discussion in London on March 9, 2026.

“We do not accept military bases in our country,” he said at the event.

Security analysts have also pointed to rising instability in neighbouring countries as a reason for closer security cooperation. Ghana shares a border with Burkina Faso, where attacks linked to extremist groups have increased in recent years.

The Ministry also stated that Ghana would not enter into any agreement that undermines the sovereignty or territorial integrity of its neighbours.

It added that Ghana would continue to engage international partners in line with its national interest.

The Ministry urged the public to seek clarification through official channels if they have concerns about the agreement.