The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama is spearheading diplomatic efforts to reintegrate Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
On Saturday, February 8, Ablakwa said on TV3’s Key Points program that Mahama has already designated a special envoy to meet with the leaders of the three breakaway countries and will be making diplomatic trips in the upcoming 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. I have no doubt that, given his track record in diplomacy, he will succeed,” Ablakwa said.
In January 2024, the three Sahelian countries declared their intention to leave ECOWAS, citing disagreements with the regional organization’s position on matters of security and governance.
Their departure sparked worries about economic cooperation, regional stability, and the war on terrorism in West Africa.
Ghana’s foreign policy under a Mahama-led government would prioritize economic diplomacy and strategic alliances, according to Ablakwa, who was just named Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
“We are determined to demystify foreign affairs. Diplomacy should not be abstract but should yield tangible benefits for ordinary Ghanaians. We will prioritise economic diplomacy and ensure that our international relations impact people’s livelihoods,” he stated.
He also discussed Ghana’s possible involvement with the BRICS economic group, which is made up of South Africa, China, India, Russia, and Brazil.
According to him, a Mahama-led administration would carefully weigh the advantages of joining BRICS while preserving strategic ties with longstanding allies like the World Bank and IMF.
“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 added.
Speaking on the larger goal of regional cooperation, Ablakwa reaffirmed Mahama’s steadfast dedication to Pan-Africanism, pointing out the former president’s ideological affinities with Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first leader.
“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 MP for North Tongu also emphasized how vital it is to address the growing rate of youth unemployment, which he said is a primary cause of African youth being drawn to dangerous migration routes.
President Mahama has made a strong case for promoting intra-African commerce and fortifying regional institutions. It is anticipated that his administration will work to enact laws that support this goal.
“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.
Source: newsthemegh.com