President John Dramani Mahama, of Ghana, is said to be spearheading diplomatic efforts to reintegrate Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The three Sahel nations withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2024, citing dissatisfaction with the regional bloc’s governance and security policies. Their exit has raised concerns about regional stability, economic cooperation, and counterterrorism efforts.
Ghana Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who made the revelation while speaking to TV3, disclosed that Mahama has appointed a special envoy to engage with the leadership of the breakaway nations and is planning diplomatic visits in the coming weeks.
“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. Given his diplomatic track record, I have no doubt he will succeed,” Ablakwa stated.
The newly appointed Foreign Affairs Minister emphasized that Ghana’s foreign policy under Mahama’s administration would focus on economic diplomacy and strategic partnerships, ensuring that international relations yield tangible benefits for Ghanaians.
“We are determined to demystify foreign affairs. Diplomacy should not be abstract but should yield tangible benefits for ordinary Ghanaians.
We will prioritize economic diplomacy and ensure that our international relations impact people’s livelihoods,” he added.
Ablakwa also addressed Ghana’s potential engagement with BRICS, the economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
He indicated that a Mahama-led government would evaluate the benefits of joining BRICS while maintaining strong ties with traditional financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the 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,” he noted.
Mahama’s diplomatic push, as observed by WorldClass247News, comes at a critical time for West Africa, as ECOWAS seeks to strengthen regional cooperation amid security and economic challenges.