Els: MBN360 News
Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has arrived in Barcelona to participate in the 4th High-Level Meeting of the “In Defence of Democracy Initiative,” joining global leaders in discussions on strengthening democratic governance.
The summit, scheduled for 18 April 2026, is being hosted by the Spanish government under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
It is expected to convene heads of state and senior officials from several countries, including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay and Spain.
Ghana’s participation signals increasing West African involvement in global efforts to strengthen democratic governance and deepen international cooperation.
Discussions at the meeting will focus on reinforcing democratic institutions amid rising global pressures.
Key issues include combating disinformation, protecting digital integrity, tackling extremism and addressing the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
Among the notable participants are Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.
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Ghana’s participation underscores a growing West African presence in global democratic dialogues, particularly as countries seek collaborative approaches to safeguard democratic systems amid increasing global pressures.
Discussions at the summit will focus on reinforcing democratic institutions, with key themes including combating disinformation, protecting digital integrity, addressing extremism, and navigating the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
Leaders are also expected to deliberate on broader global security concerns and explore enhanced cooperation between Africa and Latin America, particularly in governance, innovation, and sustainable development.
The “In Defence of Democracy Initiative,” launched in 2024, serves as a platform for coordinated international action to protect democratic values. Previous meetings were held in New York in 2024 and Santiago in 2025.
Ahead of the main summit, Opoku-Agyemang is scheduled to engage with management of GB Foods during a visit in Spain.
She will also attend a global progressive mobilisation leaders’ dinner at the National Art Museum of Catalonia on 17 April.
The Vice President is expected to conclude her visit with an engagement with the Ghanaian community in Spain on 19 April.
