By Celestine Avi
President John Dramani Mahama has embarked on a diplomatic visit to Bamako, Mali, aimed at deepening Ghana’s bilateral ties with its West African neighbors. His visit comes at a pivotal moment as regional security, economic collaboration, and the geopolitical future of the Sahel states take centre stage in global discussions. In a meeting with Malian Transitional President, General Assimi Goïta, President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to advancing trade, security partnerships, and Pan-African unity amid evolving regional challenges.
President Mahama’s visit highlights the enduring historical ties between Ghana and Mali, dating back to the leadership of Presidents Modibo Keïta and Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He underscored the long-standing friendship between the two nations and expressed gratitude to President Goïta for Mali’s representation at his presidential inauguration, describing it as a gesture of goodwill and solidarity.
The discussions centered on trade facilitation and economic cooperation, with President Mahama emphasizing the importance of free trade and the seamless movement of people within the sub-region. He reiterated Ghana’s commitment to boosting transit trade, removing trade bottlenecks, and enhancing economic integration between the two countries.
Regional security threats, including insurgency and terrorism, featured prominently in the talks. The two leaders explored ways to bolster security collaboration, particularly within the framework of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), to reinforce stability in the region.
Addressing the state of ECOWAS-Sahel relations, President Mahama acknowledged Mali’s exit from the regional bloc but stressed the need for continued diplomatic engagements to maintain unity. He advocated for dialogue to reconcile Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger with ECOWAS, emphasizing their shared history and collective future.
The meeting also revisited the stalled Technical Joint Cooperation framework, initiated in 2011. President Mahama called for its revival as a mechanism to resolve trade and diplomatic challenges affecting both nations.
As part of his visit, President Mahama met with the Ghanaian community in Bamako to engage them on issues affecting their welfare.
He also paid homage to Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, by visiting his historic statue in the heart of Bamako.
Mali’s leadership praised President Mahama’s leadership and Pan-African vision, recognizing his contributions to regional diplomacy and African unity.
His diplomatic tour continues in Niamey, Niger, and Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, as he further strengthens Ghana’s ties with West African nations.
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