President John Dramani Mahama has urged members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to welcome international assistance in the fight against terrorism, calling for stronger regional cooperation to address growing security threats in West Africa.
Speaking in an interview at the Financial Times Africa Summit in London, President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s collaboration with international partners as an effective approach to strengthening counterterrorism operations and combating violent extremism.
He explained that Ghana works closely with the United Kingdom, Germany, France and the United States through intelligence sharing, joint training and other security partnerships.
According to the President, these partnerships demonstrate the importance of international cooperation in tackling terrorism and improving regional security.
Mahama Calls on AES Countries to Open Up to Security Partnerships
President Mahama encouraged Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, the three members of the Alliance of Sahel States, to allow countries willing to assist in the fight against terrorism to contribute to their security efforts.
He argued that opening up to international partners could help strengthen counterterrorism capabilities and improve responses to armed extremist groups operating across the Sahel region.
The President stressed that Ghana’s security cooperation model offers valuable lessons for countries facing similar threats, particularly as terrorism and violent extremism continue to challenge stability in parts of West Africa.
Ghana President Calls for Stronger Regional Security Cooperation
Beyond international assistance, President Mahama emphasised the need for a new framework for regional cooperation to help West African countries address terrorism and other emerging security challenges more effectively.
He said stronger collaboration among neighbouring countries and international partners would be essential to improving intelligence sharing, security training and coordinated responses to extremist threats.
His remarks highlight the importance of collective action in addressing insecurity across the Sahel and the wider West African region.
The call comes amid continuing security concerns involving extremist violence in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, making regional partnerships and counterterrorism cooperation important issues for West African governments.
Source: newsthemegh.com