On an official visit to Mali on March 8, 2025, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to fostering closer ties between the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This position marks a turning point in regional diplomacy, and removes any ambiguity regarding the possible reintegration of the AES countries into the West African organization.
"The lack of trust must be corrected so that mutual respect can exist between the leaders of these two groups," said President Mahama, stressing the need to build solid, balanced relations. He recognized the ESA as a "irrevocable realityThis underlines the fact that its existence cannot be seen as temporary or circumstantial.
Ghana's stance illustrates a desire for appeasement and cooperation, emphasizing dialogue rather than confrontation. Mahama called for a framework of pragmatic collaboration between the two entities to strengthen regional integration and preserve sub-regional stability.
Beyond the diplomatic stakes, the visit also served to revitalize bilateral cooperation between Accra and Bamako, with the announced reactivation of the joint commission between the two countries. A strong signal of Ghana's willingness to work towards a convergence of efforts in West Africa.
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