President Mahama calls for cooperation on security in Sahel

 President John Mahama (third from right) and Malian Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga, along with their respective teams, during the meeting.

Former President John Dramani Mahama has called for greater collaboration among West African nations to bolster regional security, particularly in the Sahel region. He expressed Ghana's commitment to supporting nations directly impacted by ongoing conflicts and emphasized the need for collective action to address the threats of insurgency and terrorism in the Sahel.

Using a Ghanaian proverb to illustrate his point, he remarked, “If your neighbor's house is on fire, you must help them extinguish it, or risk the flames spreading to your own house.” He stressed that regional security is a shared responsibility requiring joint efforts to ensure safety across West Africa.

Visit and Joint Press Briefing

President Mahama shared these views during a joint press briefing with Mali's Prime Minister, Abdoulaye Maïga, in Accra. Prime Minister Maïga, who arrived in Accra last Wednesday evening, was welcomed by a high-level delegation led by Marietta Brew, Legal Counsel to the President.

Before addressing the press, the two leaders held a closed-door meeting where they reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the relationship between Ghana and Mali, with a focus on trade and security. President Mahama highlighted the longstanding historical ties between the two nations, noting the presence of a significant Malian community in Ghana and their shared cultural and economic bonds.

He reiterated Ghana’s dedication to promoting free trade among West African countries, saying, “God placed us together in this sub-region for a purpose. We inter-marry, and we must work to ensure the seamless flow of trade among our nations.”

He also pledged to renew technical cooperation between Ghana and Mali, which had stalled since their last meeting in 2011. He expressed optimism about revitalizing joint committees to address any outstanding issues between the two countries.

Strengthening Sovereignty and Cooperation

Prime Minister Maïga echoed President Mahama’s sentiments, congratulating him on his electoral victory, which he described as a triumph for Pan-Africanism. He linked Mahama’s leadership to the legacy of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, and former president Jerry John Rawlings.

The Malian Prime Minister underscored the importance of collaboration between Ghana, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in the fight against terrorism and the promotion of African sovereignty. “We are fighting for African sovereignty, and this aligns with President Mahama’s vision,” he stated.

The visit highlighted the shared goals of regional stability, enhanced trade, and the collective effort needed to address security challenges in West Africa. Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to fostering unity and progress in the sub-region.

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