President John Dramani Mahama has described the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as a “regrettable development,” calling for renewed diplomatic engagement and solidarity across the region.
“The recent decision by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS is a regrettable development” he said.
Addressing regional leaders, diplomats, and dignitaries at the official launch of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary celebrations in Accra, President Mahama noted that the bloc’s historic legacy and the urgent need to protect and strengthen regional unity in the face of mounting challenges.
“We must not take this legacy lightly. It is one we must protect, deepen, and refine in the face of new and emerging challenges,” he stated, referencing threats such as violent extremism, insecurity in the Sahel, political instability, economic disparities, and climate vulnerabilities.
The 50th anniversary summit, themed “Stronger Together for a Brighter Future,” brought together heads of state, ministers, and representatives from across West Africa, despite uncertainty over the attendance of the breakaway Sahel states.
The summit also coincided with an Extraordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, where the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger was set to be a central topic of discussion.
Mahama emphasized that the exit of the three Sahelian countries, now under military rule and members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—should not be met with isolation or recrimination.
“We must respond not with isolation or recrimination, but with understanding, dialogue, and a willingness to listen and to engage,” he said, urging ECOWAS to prioritize diplomacy as its first and strongest line of defense.
The president also highlighted Ghana’s proactive diplomatic efforts, noting the appointment of a special envoy to initiate high-level conversations and his own role in leading missions to rebuild trust and communication.
“since assuming office as president I’ve prioritized diplomatic re-engagement with our Sehalian neighbors. Ghana has appointed a special
envoy to initiate high level
conversations with the alliance of Sahil states.
He added “l’ve personally led missions to foster trust rebuild communication channels and affirm our shared aspirations these efforts reflect our
belief that we have a shared destiny as a sub region and that unity however”.
By: Kwadwo Owusu
