Former President John Mahama is spearheading diplomatic efforts to reintegrate Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), following their withdrawal from the regional bloc in January 2024.
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, revealed on TV3’s Key Points programme that Mahama has appointed a special envoy and is set to embark on diplomatic visits in the coming weeks.
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“President Mahama is leading the charge to ensure that Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso return to the ECOWAS fold,” Ablakwa stated. “He is actively holding talks and has appointed a special envoy to facilitate the process. I have no doubt that, given his track record in diplomacy, he will succeed.”
The three Sahel nations cited dissatisfaction with ECOWAS’s stance on governance and security issues as reasons for their departure. Their exit has raised concerns about regional stability, economic cooperation, and counterterrorism efforts.
Ablakwa emphasized that under Mahama’s leadership, Ghana’s foreign policy will focus on economic diplomacy and strategic partnerships that yield direct benefits for citizens.
“Diplomacy should not be abstract but should yield tangible benefits for ordinary Ghanaians,” he said. “We will prioritize economic diplomacy and ensure that our international relations impact people’s livelihoods.”
He also noted that Ghana would explore potential engagement with BRICS—an economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—while maintaining ties with institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
“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,” Ablakwa added.
Mahama’s diplomatic push aligns with his deep-rooted Pan-African ideals. Ablakwa likened his approach to that of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, stressing the need for stronger regional integration.
“President Mahama is an ardent believer in Pan-Africanism,” Ablakwa said. “He understands that Africa‘s strength lies in unity, integration, and economic collaboration. We cannot continue to trade more with Europe and Asia than we do with each other. That is why he is focused on rebuilding regional ties.”
Mahama’s upcoming diplomatic engagements will be closely watched as West Africa navigates a critical period in its regional relations.
