President John Dramani Mahama has raised concerns over the escalating terrorism in neighbouring countries, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger regional cooperation to combat the growing threat.
During a meeting with Mali’s Prime Minister, General Abdoulaye Maiga, President Mahama highlighted the gravity of the situation and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to supporting Mali and other affected nations in restoring stability.
“We note what is happening in the geopolitics of our sub-region and the unfortunate situation that is unfolding in the Sahel. It is not anything that is new but it continues to become more grave than it is in the past. I am talking about the issue of insurgency and terrorism,” he stated.
He underscored the importance of collective security, citing a Ghanaian proverb: “As I told Mr. Prime Minister, in Ghana we have a proverb that if your neighbour’s house is on fire, you must assist him to quench it else when it finishes burning his house, it will spread to yours. Our security is a common objective and we must work with each other to make sure that our sub-region is safe.”
President Mahama also announced the formation of joint technical teams between Ghana and Mali to tackle bilateral challenges. These teams will focus on ensuring the free flow of trade and movement between the two countries.
“We will continue to work to make sure that there is a free flow of trade and free movement of people between our countries,” he added.
Mali’s Prime Minister, Abdoulaye Maiga, expressed optimism about deepening economic and security ties with Ghana.
“We are convinced that the two heads of state have the opportunity to cooperate in the domain of economics and security. We salute the atmosphere of solidarity and the hospitable nature of President John Dramani Mahama. Indeed, to assure you that the fight for pan-Africanism today is pursued by His Excellency the President of Mali. A fight which is equally pursued in the framework of the Confederation of States in the Sahel (AES),” he remarked.
Akosua Okyere