Prof. Peter Quartey delivers opening remarks, setting the tone for the dialogue.
Prof. Quartey set the tone by emphasising the interdependence of Africa and Europe in tackling emerging and persistent threats.
“Should we operate our security systems in silos, or should we care about what’s happening across Europe and not just remain inward?” he asked. “What we discuss here today will benefit our country, our continent, and indeed the rest of the world.”
Panelists seated (left–right): Mr Matěj Denk, Mr Kent Mensah, Mr Vojtech Bílý, Prof. Peter Quartey, Dr Afua Boatemaa Yakohene, with Dr Ken Ahorsu presenting.
Borderless security in a globalised World
Dr Afua Boatemaa Yakohene highlighted how the erosion of traditional borders through globalisation has made security challenges increasingly transnational.
“As states become more interconnected, the security concerns of one country often spill over its borders and challenge the security of other states,” she said.
She noted the increase in threats such as terrorism, organised crime, irregular migration, and climate-induced instability that cannot be confined within national boundaries, drawing parallels between the impact of the World Wars, the Russia–Ukraine conflict, and current crises in the West African Sahel.
Dr Afua Boatemaa Yakohene presenting on borderless security in a globalised world.
Understanding security through identity and power
Dr. Ken Ahorsu examined Africa–Europe security relations through the lens of ontological security theory, which links state behaviour to identity, history, and self-perception. He argued that structural inequalities and the absence of a unified African identity continue to undermine Africa’s agency.
“Europe projects its norms and values globally, compelling others to conform, while Africa struggles with fragmented agency. This creates a hierarchy that sustains Africa’s marginal position in security relations,” Dr. Ahorsu noted.
Russia’s growing influence in Africa
Mr Vojtech Bílý presenting on Russia’s growing influence in Africa.
Mr. Vojtech Bílý turned attention to the geostrategic implications of the Russo–Ukraine war, underscoring how Russia is using Africa as leverage in its confrontation with Europe and NATO.
“Africa is not a neutral ground. Russia is trying to use the continent as a pawn in its wider geopolitical game. The EU must learn to be a good neighbour, while Africa must strengthen its institutions and resilience,” he cautioned.
Firsthand insights from Ukraine
Mr Kent Mensah responding to questions during the Q&A session.
Mr. Kent Mensah, a Ghanaian journalist recently returned from Ukraine, shared personal accounts of air raids and the plight of African youths caught in the conflict. He told the moving story of Joshua Nkrumah, a 35-year-old Ghanaian lured to Russia with promises of employment, only to find himself coerced into fighting at the frontlines in Ukraine.
“If we think what is happening in our neighbour’s house has nothing to do with us, we are deceiving ourselves,” Mensah stressed.
Engaged dialogue and call to action
Collage of event highlights: animated moderation, insightful presentations, and engaging Q&As.
The expert presentations were followed by a spirited panel discussion and question-and-answer session, where participants probed issues such as migration governance, cyber threats, violent extremism, and the role of African states in shaping equitable partnerships with Europe.
In closing, the panel reiterated the urgency of moving beyond siloed approaches to security, advocating deeper collaboration between Africa and Europe in building resilient societies.
The dialogue took place on 1 September 2025 at the ISSER Conference Centre, University of Ghana.