“Ghana will continue to lead efforts for peace, stability, and dev’t in West Africa” – Foreign Affairs Ministry

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has reassured Parliament that ECOWAS has not placed any travel restrictions on nationals of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) despite their exit from the regional bloc.

Addressing concerns over AES passports, he clarified, “They can come to Ghana, they are free to travel, but the AES has not been done,” emphasizing that ECOWAS protocols on free movement remain unchanged.

His statement comes amid calls from some MPs for Ghana to tread cautiously in its engagements with the military-led governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

Ablakwa highlighted Ghana’s commitment to upholding the African Union (AU) principles, including opposition to unconstitutional changes in government, while prioritizing national interests in security cooperation, trade, and diplomatic engagement.

“Ghana continues to promote and protect the interests of nationals living in these three nations,” he affirmed.

He also revealed Ghana’s plans to expand its economic ties with Burkina Faso by increasing electricity exports and exploring the introduction of a direct Accra-Ouagadougou flight, with a Ghanaian airline showing interest.

On security, the minister acknowledged the growing terrorism threat across the Sahel and beyond, stressing the need for regional collaboration. “Terrorism threatens not just the Sahel States but also countries further down the coast,” he warned, adding that Ghana remains committed to finding collective solutions to address this pressing menace.

To reinforce its role in fostering stability, President Mahama has appointed former National Security Coordinator Lt. Col. Larry Gbevlo-Lartey (retd) as a special envoy to the AES, tasked with strengthening ties and promoting peace. “Ghana will continue to play a leading role in collective efforts to promote peace, stability, and economic development on the African continent,” Ablakwa assured.