Ghana steps up efforts to mend regional ties with Sahel alliance appointment

RFI

22 January 2025 at 11:09 am·1-min read

Ghana's President-elect John Dramani Mahama takes the oath of office during the swearing-in ceremony for his second term, led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo at the Black Star Square in Accra, Ghana, on 7 January 2025.

Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama has appointed a former national security chief as envoy to the alliance formed by Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, signalling his administration's intention to mend ties with the three military-led nations.

Larry Gbevlo-Lartey has been appointed to liaise with the three-nation Alliance of Sahel States (AES) which includes Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

The presidency also said that Mahama named former minister of communication Edward Omane Boamah as defence minister.

Military coups

Emmanuel Kwesi Aning, an Accra-based security consultant, believes this appointment signals Ghana's willingness to improve its relationship with junta-led countries in the region.

Speaking to Reuters news agency on Tuesday, Aning said that the retired lieutenant colonel has "credentials and speaks a language the AES leadership understands."

He added: "His appointment is the first in Ecowas and it's an attempt to rebuild trust... and start the process of reengagement and the return of the AES to the Ecowas family."

Between 2020 and 2023, juntas seized control in a series of coups in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. All three severed military and diplomatic ties with regional allies and Western powers.

Fears for the future in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso over Ecowas withdrawal

The three countries created the alliance last July, underscoring their determination to chart a joint course outside Ecowas, the Economic Community of West African States bloc.

(with Reuters)

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