President John Dramani Mahama has called for Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to renew diplomatic engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States.
His appeal comes following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS.
Speaking at the launch of ECOWAS’s 50th Anniversary in Accra on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, President Mahama described the departure of the three nations as a regrettable development but emphasized the importance of dialogue over isolation.
“The recent decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS is a regrettable development…we must respond not with isolation, recrimination, but with dialogue and the willing ability to listen and to engage”.
The three countries, which formed the Alliance of Sahel States, cited inconsistencies in ECOWAS’s operations as their reason for exiting the bloc.
In response, President Mahama extended an invitation to the breakaway nations to join the anniversary celebrations, signaling his commitment to fostering reconciliation.
Highlighting his administration’s efforts, President Mahama noted that Ghana has appointed a special envoy to engage in high-level discussions with the Alliance of Sahel States.
He also shared his personal involvement in missions aimed at rebuilding trust, reopening communication channels, and affirming shared aspirations.
“These efforts affirm our belief that we have a shared destiny as a sub-region, and unity, however difficult, remains the best path to shared prosperity and regional stability”.
Leaders of the Sahel States, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have been invited to attend the official launch of ECOWAS’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in Accra, despite their suspension from ECOWAS.
The invitation was made by Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama.
Announcing the move at a press briefing on Thursday, April 17, 2025, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, described the invitation as a diplomatic gesture aimed at fostering dialogue, rebuilding trust, and promoting unity within the West African sub-region.
