Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe Represents Ghana At Africa Days In Brussels
Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, Member of Parliament, attended the 2026 Africa Days forum in Brussels this week. She was part of Ghana’s delegation alongside the General Secretary of the NDC, Hon. Fifi Kwetey.
The forum brought together African leaders, EU policymakers, and development partners to discuss financing, trade, infrastructure, and partnerships for Africa’s growth.
*Her contribution: “We must take calculated risks on China loans and EU grants”*
Speaking during a session on “Financing Africa’s Infrastructure Gap,” Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe made a direct contribution on funding options for the continent.
She argued that Africa cannot afford to be hesitant when it comes to accessing financing.
“If we wait only for ‘perfect’ money, our roads, rail lines, hospitals and digital infrastructure will keep waiting too. We should take calculated risks in accessing China loans where the terms support projects that create jobs and local value. At the same time, we must leverage EU grants and concessional funding for areas like green energy, health and education.”
She added that the key is not to avoid risk, but to manage it: negotiate transparent terms, tie loans to projects with clear economic returns, and ensure technology transfer and local participation.
“For constituencies like mine in Ghana, the difference between a risk taken and an opportunity lost is a bridge built, a market connected, or a factory powered,” she told delegates.
Her remarks sparked discussion among participants, with many agreeing on the need for Africa to diversify its funding sources while protecting its long-term interests.
The Africa Days forum concluded with a call for stronger, balanced partnerships between Africa and the European Union.
Story by Bismark Mensah@A/R.
