Accra, Ghana – The President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has reaffirmed the vital role the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) plays in promoting peace, stability, and diplomacy across the African continent.
According to him, ECOWAS has evolved into a formidable diplomatic and political force, earning global recognition for its effectiveness in conflict resolution.
He emphasized that ECOWAS’s reputation as a credible peace broker stems from years of dedicated engagement and mediation across the region.
“Through consistent engagements, dialogue, and mediation, our community has earned a reputation as a trusted arbiter in conflict prevention and resolution,” he said.
President Mahama noted that the community’s involvement in restoring peace to troubled nations underscores a legacy that must be preserved and strengthened.
“Whether it has been in restoring peace in Liberia and Sierra Leone, in guiding the Gambia through a difficult political transition, or preventing the electoral crisis in Cote d’Ivoire and Togo, ECOWAS has proven that African solutions through African diplomacy can and do work. We must not take this legacy lightly. It is one we must protect. It is one we must deepen and refine in the face of new and emerging challenges,” he stated.
He also highlighted the multiple threats currently confronting the ECOWAS region, which he described as complex and multi-dimensional.
“Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, today our region is faced with a complex array of threats. Violent extremism, growing insecurity in the Sahel, political instability, economic disparities, and climate vulnerabilities,” he remarked.
Touching on recent political developments, President Mahama described the decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS as deeply unfortunate. Nonetheless, he called for continued diplomatic engagement and solidarity to address the situation constructively.
“In moments like these, diplomacy and solidarity must remain our first and strongest line of defense. The recent decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS is a regrettable development. Yet even in this, continuous engagements must remain our lodestar,” he said.
He stressed that the regional bloc must respond to such challenges not with hostility or blame but through open communication and mutual respect.
“We must respond not with isolation or recrimination, but with understanding, dialogue, and a willingness to listen and to engage. Since assuming office as President, I have prioritized diplomatic re-engagement with our Sahelian neighbors. Ghana has appointed a special envoy to initiate high-level conversations with the Alliance of Sahel States,” he disclosed.
President Mahama concluded by reiterating Ghana’s commitment to regional unity and progress, offering the country’s leadership and support in rebuilding trust among member states.
“I’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 difficult, remains the best path to shared prosperity and regional stability. Ghana stands ready to serve as the bridge to help remit the fabricated West African unity,” he affirmed.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites
) / Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 
