Dean of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Law School, Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi has described President John Dramani Mahama’s recent decision to visit some of the Sahel states as a bold and sensible decision.
He makes the point that there can be no higher priority than maintaining the trade and security relations Ghana has with these countries.
In a post on his X page, Prof Abotsi said “President Mahama’s re-engagement of disaffected Sahel states is bold and sensible! National interest should lead foreign policy and there can be no higher priority than maintaining the trade and security relations Ghana has with these countries! Preventing coups cannot be based on sanctions.”
Last week, President John Dramani Mahama visited Burkina Faso as part of his ‘good neighbourliness’ tour, aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties with neighbouring countries.
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Upon arrival, he was warmly received at the airport by Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
The two leaders later held a closed-door meeting, during which they discussed key issues, including regional security, economic cooperation, and diplomatic relations.
This visit forms part of President Mahama’s tour of Niger and Mali—three nations that have recently withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and established the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Addressing the situation, President Mahama highlighted that the primary reason behind the exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS is a breakdown in trust.
He stressed the importance of rebuilding confidence between the nations, acknowledging that while it will take time, efforts must be made to restore strong regional cooperation.
