College of Humanities Holds Maiden Dialogue Series

The College of Humanities (CoH) has held its maiden Dialogue Series on the theme: “An Overview of the European Union and the Economic Partnership Agreement”. The Dialogue Series was chaired by Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, Director of the Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy.

The Provost of the College of Humanities, Prof. Samuel Agyei-Mensah, in welcoming participants to the maiden Dialogue Series indicated that the motivation to introduce the Dialogue Series was inspired by a discussion at a recent College Advisory Board meeting to expand the range of critical debate devoted to national and international issues by the academic and nonacademic fraternity and to stimulate interactions among academics, the public, private and non-profit sectors. He further noted that the choice of the theme for the dialogue was fueled by the need to give visibility to the newly established Centre for European Studies,which is mandated to provide a platform for the interdisciplinary study of EuropeanStudies.

Provost of the College of Humanities, Prof. Samuel Agyei-Mensah

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu in his remarks, noted that just like other important events on the University calendar, such as the Aggrey-Fraser-Guggisberg Memorial Lectures, and Inaugural Lectures among others, he was hopeful the Dialogue Series willserve as medium platform for deliberating topical issues that have significant impact on Ghana’s socioeconomic development. He lauded the Provost of the College, Prof. Samuel Agyei-Mensah and his team for the coordination and successful institution of the Dialogue Series

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu

Dr. Ransford Gyampo, Director of the Centre for European Studies at the University of Ghana was the first speaker for the conference. Dr. Gyampo said that considering the importance of Europe in world politics, an understanding of the wider region of contemporary Europe is vital to provide a holistic perspective on issues affecting major countries in the world. He presented an overview of the European Union, highlighting their vision and mission statements and their development policies over the years. He explained that the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) creates free trade between the European Union Countries and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) in which both sides agree to reduce the tariffs on goods coming in (import duties) and going out (export taxes) of their countries. 

Dr. Gyampo noted that in spite of the benefits of the EPA, countries within the West African sub-region have been cautious about signing the EPA. He added that only Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire that have signed and ratified the agreement.

Dr. Ransford Gyampo, Director of the Centre for European Studies

The second speaker, Ambassador William Hanna, Head of The European Union Delegation to Ghana delivered a presentation on the topic “Ghana and the European Union: A New Partnership”. Ambassador William Hanna shared perspectives on European Integration, new EU Global Strategy, Priorities in Ghana-EU relations, and a new EU External Investment Plan.

He recounted Europe’s gloomy state during 1945 and underscored its resurgence following series of audacious and crucial political treaties and proposals from member countries for integration. He noted that the EU’s role in the 21st Century aligns with its global strategy to think strategically and act together.

He elaborated further that the EU has had extensive collaboration with Ghana for 40 years, partnering Ghana to promote peace, security, prosperity, human rights and democracy. The EU he said, has supported Ghana’s macro economy, maritime and migration security, maternal health, roads, trade, and climate change. He emphasized that the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Ghana would be a win-win partnership, preserve market access: no quotas or duties, protect jobs and create new ones, encourage investment, and promote sustainable development and regional integration. He entreated participants and Ghanaians in general to be optimistic about the economic partnership agreement.

Ambassador William Hanna, Head of The European Union Delegation to Ghana

The Chairperson, Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu expressed gratitude to Dr. Ransford Gyampo and Ambassador William Hanna for sharing insights on the EPA. She indicated that the global economic and financial outlook reflects the need for a paradigm shift in Ghana’s economy to ensure that it is able to accommodate global and local shocks.

The Chairman of the College of Humanities Advisory Board, Nene Abayaateye Amegatcher reiterated the importance of the Dialogue Series and stressed the need for the Sub-region to continue to work together across disciplines and across boundaries in order to promote regional development and transformation.

The next dialogue in the series will focus on Asia to give visibility to the newly established Centre for Asian Studies.

Participants at the Programme