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John Mahama Working To Bring Mali, Niger, And Burkina Faso Back Into ECOWAS - Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

  • Feb 9, 2025
  • 2 min read

Former President John Mahama has taken the lead in diplomatic efforts to bring Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso back into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), according to Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.


Mahama Leads Diplomatic Efforts to Reintegrate Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso into ECOWAS
Mahama Leads Diplomatic Efforts to Reintegrate Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso into ECOWAS

Speaking on TV3’s Key Points program on Saturday, February 8, Ablakwa revealed that Mahama has already appointed a special envoy to engage with the leadership of the three nations and is preparing for a series of diplomatic visits in the coming weeks.


“President Mahama is spearheading efforts to ensure that Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso rejoin ECOWAS. His experience in diplomacy makes him the ideal leader for this mission, and I have no doubt he will succeed,” Ablakwa stated.

The three Sahel countries announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS in January 2024, citing frustrations over the bloc’s stance on governance and security issues. Their departure has sparked concerns about regional stability, economic cooperation, and the fight against terrorism in West Africa.


Ablakwa emphasized that Ghana’s foreign policy under the Mahama administration would prioritize economic diplomacy and strategic alliances, ensuring that international relations deliver real benefits for citizens.


“Diplomacy should not be abstract—it should create opportunities and impact livelihoods. Our focus is on economic diplomacy that translates into tangible benefits for Ghanaians,” he stressed.


Ablakwa also addressed Ghana’s potential engagement with BRICS, the economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. He indicated that Mahama’s administration would weigh the benefits of joining BRICS while maintaining strategic ties with traditional financial partners like the IMF and World Bank.


“The global landscape is shifting towards multipolar alliances, and Ghana cannot afford to be left behind. We must explore all options, including deeper engagement with BRICS, to position our economy advantageously,” he noted.


Highlighting Mahama’s Pan-African vision, Ablakwa drew parallels between the former president’s philosophy and that of Ghana’s first leader, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.


“President Mahama firmly believes in African unity, economic integration, and self-reliance. We cannot continue prioritizing trade with Europe and Asia over our own continent. That is why rebuilding regional ties is a key priority for him,” Ablakwa explained.

As Mahama prepares for high-level diplomatic engagements, West Africa watches closely to see whether his mediation will restore cohesion within ECOWAS and strengthen regional cooperation.



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