Leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has applauded President John Dramani Mahama’s proactive efforts in strengthening relations with Sahel countries, describing him as a crucial figure in bridging the growing divide between ECOWAS and the Sahel region.
Speaking on the ongoing geopolitical tensions, Aboagye highlighted the importance of maintaining strong ties with neighboring countries, emphasizing that their stability directly impacts Ghana’s security and economic interests.
“I am impressed with President Mahama building relationships with the Sahel countries. Like it or not, they are our neighbors, and if they have stability, we are also stable. It is quite impressive that President Mahama has made deliberate efforts to let them feel like they are a part of us,” he said.
Aboagye pointed out that Mahama holds a unique advantage in diplomatic engagements with the Sahel nations, as he was not involved in the ECOWAS decision to impose sanctions and expel Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the bloc.
“He finds himself in a very advantageous position because he was not part of the leaders who took the decision to push them out of ECOWAS. That gives him a level of trust and credibility in their eyes,” he explained.
According to Aboagye, this unique standing places Mahama in a strategic position to serve as a bridge between ECOWAS and the Sahel nations, facilitating dialogue without necessarily pushing for their immediate return to the regional bloc.
“For now, he is a very major tool ECOWAS can use to bridge the gap between them and the Sahel countries. I’m not saying they should necessarily come back to ECOWAS. I think they’ve gone quite far with their new direction, but we can have two regional bodies forming strong alliances,” he noted.
Despite some ECOWAS members opposing the sanctions against the Sahel nations, Aboagye argued that the perception among the expelled countries remains largely negative towards the entire bloc.
“It doesn’t mean that everyone in ECOWAS at the time agreed to the sanctions, but as long as you were there, these Sahel countries will be apprehensive towards you. Many of them feel like you’re only coming closer now to gain access to their problems,” he observed.
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Bawumia’s spokesperson praises President John Mahama for his swift and laudable engagement with the Sahel countries while subtly blasting Akufo Addo’s participation in ECOWAS’ decision. #AbanPapaAba pic.twitter.com/pP1vK2yXkx
— KOJO DYNAMIC 𓃵 (@AnnanPerry) March 10, 2025
