Mahama is leading the charge to reintegrate Sahel States into ECOWAS - Ablakwa

Accra, Ghana - 08 Feb, 2025 - Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that President John Dramani Mahama is leading efforts to reintegrate Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

In January 2024, the three countries exited ECOWAS, expressing discontent with the organization's governance and security strategies.

To address these concerns, President Mahama appointed Lieutenant Colonel (rtd.) Larry Gbevlo-Lartey as special envoy to engage with the leaders of the three countries and plans diplomatic visits in the coming weeks.

In an interview with TV3 on Saturday Feb 8, 2025,  Ablakwa emphasized Ghana's commitment to regional integration and cooperation, highlighting the importance of ECOWAS in promoting economic growth, stability, and security in West Africa.

He also outlined Ghana's foreign policy priorities under President Mahama's leadership, including economic diplomacy, strategic partnerships, and engagement with emerging global powers such as the economic bloc of BRICS, made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

“President Mahama is leading the charge to ensure that Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso return to the ECOWAS fold. He is actively holding talks and has appointed a special envoy to facilitate the process. I do not doubt that, given his track record in diplomacy, he will succeed'', he stated.

“We are determined to demystify foreign affairs. Diplomacy should not be abstract but should yield tangible benefits for ordinary Ghanaians. We will prioritise economic diplomacy and ensure that our international relations impact people’s livelihoods.”

“The world is shifting towards multipolar alliances, and Ghana cannot be left behind. We must explore all options, including forging stronger ties with BRICS, to ensure that our economic interests are well-positioned on the global stage,'' he added.

Source: Lead News Online