The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed claims that Ghana’s newly signed security agreement with the European Union will lead to the establishment of foreign military bases or the deployment of foreign troops in the country.

The clarification comes amid public concern and misinformation regarding the Security and Defence Partnership between Ghana and the European Union.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 14, the ministry said the agreement is intended to strengthen cooperation in addressing emerging security threats and to enhance Ghana’s national and regional security framework.

It stressed that the agreement does not provide for foreign military bases in Ghana and does not allow the stationing of foreign troops on Ghanaian territory, adding that Ghana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remain fully protected.

The ministry explained that the partnership provides a framework for cooperation in areas including counter-terrorism, maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, cybersecurity, border management, and support for peacekeeping and crisis response operations.

It further noted that the agreement includes technical assistance, training, and equipment support for Ghana’s security agencies.

According to the ministry, the arrangement builds on existing cooperation between Ghana and the European Union and formalises long-standing collaboration into a coordinated framework.

It added that the partnership is based on mutual respect, shared interests, and Ghana’s national security priorities.

The ministry also said interpretations suggesting otherwise misrepresent the agreement and urged the public to disregard such claims.

It said Ghana’s decision to strengthen ties with the European Union is influenced by security challenges in the West African sub-region, including violent extremism in the Sahel and maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.

The ministry reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to its foreign policy principles, including non-alignment, good neighbourliness, Pan-Africanism, and peaceful coexistence.

It stressed that Ghana will not enter into any arrangement that undermines its sovereignty or that of neighbouring countries, and that all international engagements will continue to prioritise transparency, accountability, and national interest.