Ghana's president calls for renewed diplomatic engagement with Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso

Accra, Ghana (PANA) - Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama on Monday called for renewed diplomatic engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger who have withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

The three countries have cited inconsistencies in ECOWAS’ operations as their reason for exiting the bloc.

However, in a bid to foster reconciliation, President Mahama extended an invitation to the breakaway nations to join the anniversary celebrations, Accra-based citinews reported.

Speaking at the launch of ECOWAS’ 50th Anniversary in Accra, President Mahama described the departure of the three junta-led nations as a regrettable development, and sressed the importance of dialogue over isolation.

“The recent decision by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to withdraw from the ECOWAS is a regrettable development…we must respond not with isolation, recrimination, but with dialogue and the willing ability to listen and to engage,” he stated.

Citinews said President Mahama emphasised the belief that unity and collaboration remain essential to achieving prosperity and stability across West Africa.

“Since assuming as president, I have prioritised diplomatic re-engagement with the Sahel region. Ghana has appointed a special envoy to engage in high level engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States. I have personally led missions to foster trust, rebuild communication channels and affirm our shared aspirations.

“These efforts affirm our beliefs that we have a shared destiny as a sub-region, and unity, however, difficult, remains the best part to shared prosperity and regional stability,” he stated.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed deep concern over the escalating threats of violent extremism and unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa, cautioning that these challenges undermine the region’s democratic progress.​

Conveying President Tinubu’s message at launch, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Biance Odumegwu-Ojukwu, emphasised the urgent need for collective action.​

As Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to regional stability and democratic governance.

He called on member states to strengthen cooperation and uphold the principles enshrined in the ECOWAS Treaty

“Our region continues to grapple with new and evolving threats, violent extremism, climate change and food insecurity. The wave of unconstitutional changes in our region seriously threatens the democratic gains we have painstakingly built,” Tinubu said.

-0- PANA MA 22April2025