Denmark Prime Minister in Ghana for official visit

The Prime Minister of Denmark, Ms Mette Frederiksen, yesterday arrived in Ghana on a two-day official visit. The visit is in line with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Denmark and Ghana.

Addressing the media after a meeting with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, Ms Frederiksen said the two countries had agreed on a lot of issues for their mutual benefit.

She disclosed that in February next year, the two countries will meet in Brussels where “we will have the African Union and the European Union sitting around the same table. And of course, we have a lot of historical ties between us, not all of them positive, and we all know that. But we also have a lot of future things on our table, climate changes just to add another topic to the agenda.”

Climate change

She said both Africa and Europe need to build a stronger bridge between them tackle the issue of climate change.

“And we need to response to the climate changes, both in Africa and in Europe, and to build a stronger bridge between us when it comes to climate changes. And now we have had more than 60 years of direct cooperation between Ghana and Denmark. That’s quite impressive, and I think we have shown through generations now what this cooperation means and what we can use it,” she said.

The Prime Minister commended Ghana on her effort in the Covid-19 fight.

“And then finally, I would just like to congratulate you on all the efforts you have taken in fighting Covid-19. You have been quite successful in your country, and I’m also glad that we have been able to help with vaccines because, of course, vaccine is our super weapon no matter where we are. But congratulation on what you have succeeded in when it comes to fighting this terrible pandemic,” she said.

Strengthening relations

President Akufo-Addo recalled that the ties between the two countries dates back as long as the 17th century.

“And since independence, there’s been a very constructive engagement between our two countries. So, it’s a great deal of pleasure that we welcome a Danish Prime Minister here for this brief stay,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo indicated that the two countries are working to strengthen their relations.

“I believe that this visit of yours provides us some base for inspiring, igniting and consolidating that relationship. So, it’s good of you to have come. As you know, in February, I believe it’s now being scheduled for February, there is also going to be a meeting between the African Union and the European Union in Brussels, which is going to provide us an opportunity for the leaders on both sides to come to grips with some of the major issues,” he said.

Concerns

He mentioned jihadist insurgency as one major issue that continues to pose a threat to the security of the various nations of West Africa and ECOWAS.

“We also have the growing menace of the pirates on the Gulf of Guinea, a development that you have responded to, and I think we have to applaud you for your courage in taking this decision to provide some sort of military response to the work of the pirates,” he stated.

President Akufo-Addo said issues such as piracy, insecurity, among others, will be discussed when the countries attend the Brussels conference

“And we expect that the government will take a very progressive position on many of the issues. We appreciate the world view that animates the work that you’re doing in Denmark and within the European Union,” he said.

President touted Ghana’s credentials as a very democratic state with respect for human rights, including freedom of association and speech.

“All these are part of the Ghanaian architecture. And we believe that it is important that, that architecture is strengthened and empowered. And we look to the relations with countries like your own as some of the instruments that would enable this process of enhancement and empowerment to take place,” he said.