By nfm
Copyright naagyeifmonline
Ghana’s commitment to continued communication between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the three Sahelian nations that recently left the group to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has been underlined by President John Mahama.
President Mahama issued a warning at Jubilee House following the reception of Frederick Landshoft, the new German Ambassador to Ghana, that if the growing threat of terrorism in the Sahel is not addressed jointly, it could endanger the entire West African sub-region.
“Our Sahelian neighbours, the AES countries, have seceded from ECOWAS. Since we understand that their struggles are not unique to them, we are having constant conversations with them. It might spread over the entire sub-region if we do not band together,” he stated.
President Mahama commended Germany for its long-standing collaboration with Ghana, especially through assistance for the Kofi Annan International Peace Training Centre, and emphasised the need of regional and international cooperation in combating violent extremism.
In order to improve regional security, he urged for further cooperation in technical support, training, and joint exercises, pointing out that Germany’s involvement in training peacekeepers and strategic thinkers had been crucial.
The President also discussed the evolving global order and emphasised the importance of close cooperation among nations that respect multilateralism.
It appears that the multilateral order is being overthrown as international relations become increasingly transactional. However, like Ghana, Germany is a firm supporter of multilateralism. We need to get even closer together now,” he declared.
Additionally, President Mahama emphasised the close bilateral connections between Ghana and Germany, pointing to Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s 2023 visit to Ghana as a high point in the two countries’ relationship.
In his remarks, Ambassador Landshoft praised President Mahama’s reform plan and leadership, characterising Ghana as a trustworthy partner with similar principles in economic development, democracy, and multilateralism.
We are commemorating 50 years of economic collaboration this year. We frequently vote for the same resolutions at the UN in addition to sitting close to each other.
The ambassador remarked, “We are glad to have a partner like Ghana, where we can build on this shared foundation.”
At a time when regional security threats are becoming more serious, the courtesy call is part of an attempt to strengthen Ghana-Germany ties in multilateral diplomacy, economic cooperation, and security.
