President John Dramani Mahama has called for renewed diplomatic efforts with the Alliance of Sahel States following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The three nations cited inconsistencies within ECOWAS as their reason for exiting the bloc.
In an effort to promote reconciliation, President Mahama invited the breakaway countries to participate in the upcoming anniversary celebrations of ECOWAS. Speaking at the launch of ECOWAS’s 50th Anniversary in Accra on April 22, he described the departure of the junta-led nations as a regrettable development but underscored the importance of dialogue over isolation.
“The recent decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS is regrettable. We must respond not with isolation or recrimination, but with dialogue and a willingness to listen and engage,” he stated.
President Mahama emphasized that unity and collaboration are vital for achieving prosperity and stability in West Africa. “Since taking office, I have prioritized diplomatic re-engagement with the Sahel region. Ghana has appointed a special envoy to facilitate high-level discussions with the Alliance of Sahel States. I have personally led missions to build trust, restore communication channels, and affirm our shared aspirations.”
He concluded by reaffirming his belief in a shared destiny for the sub-region, stating that “unity, no matter how challenging, remains the best path to shared prosperity and regional stability.”
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