President John Mahama has appointed Lt. Col. Larry Gbevlo-Lartey (retd) as Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES) in a move to strengthen diplomatic and security cooperation with the region.
Briefing Parliament, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa highlighted the government’s commitment to regional stability, stating, “Ghana will continue the leading role in collective efforts to promote peace, stability, and economic development on the African continent.”
The appointment comes amid growing security threats in the Sahel, with Ghana prioritizing counterterrorism, trade expansion, and stronger bilateral ties with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Addressing concerns about travel restrictions following the AES’s departure from ECOWAS, Ablakwa assured that “ECOWAS has not placed any ban on any national” and that “ECOWAS has not stopped them from traveling and taking advantage of the free movement protocol.”
While Ghana upholds AU principles, including opposition to unconstitutional governance, the minister stressed that the country’s interactions with Burkina Faso and other Sahel states are centered on national interest, particularly in enhancing security cooperation and combating cross-border crimes such as smuggling and drug trafficking.
However, some MPs have urged caution in Ghana’s engagement with the AES, emphasizing the need for a balanced diplomatic approach.
Beyond security, Ghana is also exploring economic collaboration with Burkina Faso, with plans to increase electricity exports and introduce a direct Accra-Ouagadougou flight, with a Ghanaian airline expressing interest.
Ablakwa acknowledged the growing terrorism threats beyond the Sahel, warning that “terrorism threatens not alone the Sahel states but also countries further down the coast.”
He emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue and collaboration in addressing these regional challenges, reinforcing Ghana’s role in promoting stability and economic development.
