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Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that former President John Dramani Mahama is spearheading diplomatic efforts to bring Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso back into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Speaking on TV3’s Key Points on Saturday, February 8, 2025, Ablakwa disclosed that Mahama has already appointed a special envoy to engage with the leadership of the three breakaway nations and will embark on diplomatic visits soon.
“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. I have no doubt that, given his track record in diplomacy, he will succeed,” Ablakwa stated.
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso announced their departure from ECOWAS in January 2024, citing dissatisfaction with the bloc’s stance on governance and security issues. Their exit raised concerns about regional stability, economic collaboration, and counterterrorism efforts in West Africa.
Ablakwa, who recently took office as Minister for Foreign Affairs, emphasized that under Mahama’s leadership, Ghana’s foreign policy will focus on economic diplomacy and strategic partnerships.
“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 said.
He also mentioned that Ghana is considering engagement with BRICS—the economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—while maintaining strategic relationships with traditional partners such as the IMF and 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.
Ablakwa highlighted Mahama’s deep-rooted commitment to Pan-Africanism, drawing parallels with Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
“President Mahama is an ardent believer in Pan-Africanism. He understands that Africa’s strength lies in unity, integration, and economic collaboration. We cannot continue to trade more with Europe and Asia than we do with each other. That is why he is focused on rebuilding regional ties,” he explained.
The North Tongu MP also pointed out that rising youth unemployment is a major challenge, pushing many young Africans to undertake dangerous migration routes.
“In 2023, we recorded the highest number of young Africans perishing while attempting to cross the Mediterranean in search of greener pastures. This is unacceptable. We need real integration, trade among ourselves, and strategic economic policies to provide opportunities at home,” he said.
Mahama’s administration is expected to push for policies that strengthen regional institutions and foster intra-African trade, aligning with his vision for a more united and economically empowered Africa.
