President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is maintaining dialogue with the three Sahelian nations that recently left the bloc to establish the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, emerged in September 2023 as a joint defence pact and evolved into a confederation in July 2024. Its creation reflects the three juntas’ bid for greater political, economic, and cultural integration, positioning the bloc as a rival force to ECOWAS. In January 2025, the trio formally cut ties with ECOWAS to consolidate their alliance.
Speaking at the Jubilee House on Friday, September 19, 2025, during a courtesy call by Germany’s newly appointed Ambassador to Ghana, Frederick Landshoft, President Mahama underscored the importance of unity in confronting the region’s security and development challenges.
He cautioned that disunity could deepen instability and accelerate the spread of terrorism across West Africa.
“One of the areas we want to thank Germany for is the collaboration with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC). The partnership has been very useful in terms of training and strategic thinking. We would like to continue that collaboration, especially now that the West Africa subregion is facing the threat of violent extremism.
“The AES countries have broken away from ECOWAS, but we are engaged in continuous dialogue because we believe the difficulties they face are not theirs alone. If we do not show solidarity, the threat could easily spill over into the rest of the region,” he said.
Ambassador Landshoft commended President Mahama for his leadership, both nationally and within the region, describing his administration’s achievements as internationally recognised.
“The energy of your administration is remarkable. I would like to commend you on your achievements, especially in improving the macroeconomy and other areas that have been recognised internationally. For us in Germany, it creates opportunities politically, socially, and economically. We share a long-standing history of cooperation, and this year marks 50 years of partnership,” he noted, adding that Germany looks forward to deepening collaboration with Ghana on security, democracy, and economic growth.
Read also
Ablakwa provides free mattresses and chop boxes for 2,207 SHS students
Source:Lovinghananews.com
