Ghana President speaks of new plans to enhance regional security cooperation
Accra, Ghana (PANA) - Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama said on Monday that there are plans to establish a new platform to enhance regional security cooperation, following the non-participation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in the Accra Initiative that aims to coordinate efforts against terrorism and transnational threats.
He was speaking at a joint press briefing with the visiting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Accra, Accra-based citi newsroom reported.
The German President arrived in Accra on Sunday night for a three-day State visit with trade and investment high on the agenda.
The Ghanaian President said he and President Steinmeier had “open and constructive” discussions on peace and security in West Africa, particularly regarding the growing threats of terrorism, violent extremism, and political instability in the Sahel region.
President Mahama said Ghana had sought to integrate the AES, which comprises Mali, Niger and Burlina Faso, into the Accra Initiative, but persistent separation between two he Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and AES has made it necessary to consider a new framework.
“We need continuous dialogue and engagement to be able to resolve some of the mutual challenges that we commonly face. The Accra Initiative was set up as a platform for our joint fight against violent extremism in the West African sub-region,” he explained.
“Unfortunately, currently, the AES states are not participating in the Accra Initiative. And so, what I’ve been engaged with is seeking a new platform that can bring them on board because the fight is not theirs alone. It’s a sub-regional fight because violent extremism is like a cancer; it continues to grow and spread,” he added.
President Mahama disclosed that discussions were underway toward this goal, noting, “I was in Mali a week ago to discuss the issue of a joint platform where we can collaborate to help them, and the international community can assist in the joint fight against violent extremism.”
The Accra Initiative, headquartered in Ghana, brings together seven West African countries — Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Niger, and Togo — to coordinate efforts against terrorism and transnational threats.
However, the AES has shifted focus to its own alliance, prioritising regional independence and reduced reliance on external actors.
President Mahama also reaffirm Ghana’s strong dedication to creating an enabling environment to attract more German private sector investments, particularly within the framework of the African continental free trade area, which is headquartered here in Accra.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area offers unparalleled opportunities for German and other businesses to enter a market of over 1.3 billion population across the continent, with Ghana positioned as the strategic gateway and partner.”
President Mahama said bilateral discussions also focused on Germany’s forward-looking Africa strategy under the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, which prioritises sustainability, decent employment, gender equality, climate resilience, and peace and security.
He said they have identified specific opportunities for stronger collaboration in renewable energy, green industrialization, digital transformation, and skills development. “These sectors are crucial to Ghana’s future and they align with global sustainability objectives.”
President Mahama reiterated Ghana's deep concern about recent actions that jeopardise the rule-based international order, especially the global trade system that has supported decades of prosperity and development around the world.
"The dismantling of established multilateral frameworks and the rise of unilateral protectionism threaten to plunge the world into economic instability, greater inequality, and conflict.
“I invite Germany to share Ghana’s strong commitment to multilateralism, the United Nations system, the World Trade Organisation, and international law. We urge all nations to resist the lure of economic nationalism and to collaborate in reforming, not dismantling, the institutions that unite us as a globe.”
The German President said his country has pledged €65 million, to support Ghana’s development cooperation in youth employment, renewable energy, and technical training.
President Steinmeier said the pledge is subject to approval by the German Parliament as part of Germany’s long-standing partnership with Ghana in sustainable development.
“We have been able to bring good tidings today. Germany will again commit more than 65 million euros to Ghana in the framework of our development cooperation,” he said.
The German President said the funding will strengthen ongoing work in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and youth skills training. He added that both countries are working together to lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth that benefits Ghana and Germany alike.
President Steinmeier said that Germany is supporting training in the health, pharmaceutical, and digital sectors to help create decent jobs for Ghanaian youth.
“We are very active when it comes to educating and training the young generation. We want to provide decent jobs for them,” he said.
-0- PANA MA 3Nov2025
