Mahama calls for regional, international cooperation to combat terrorism
President John Dramani Mahama has attributed the growing security crisis in the Sahel to the aftermath of the Libya conflict, the proliferation of arms and the movement of terrorist groups into the region.
Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, President Mahama said the subsequent military coups in the Sahel should be viewed within the broader context of the region’s worsening security challenges.
He also explained the rationale behind the Accra Reset, as well as Ghana’s broader vision for a more self-reliant and integrated Africa.
According to President Mahama, the Accra Reset was partly triggered by the withdrawal of US$174 million in programmed development assistance, including an annual US$74 million shortfall in the health sector.
He said the funding gap exposed vulnerabilities in critical areas such as medical research, HIV testing and programmes supported by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
President Mahama said the situation had reinforced the need for greater health sovereignty in Africa, with countries on the continent developing the capacity to produce medicines and vaccines locally instead of relying heavily on external supply chains.
On relations between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), President Mahama called for continued dialogue and efforts to rebuild ties.
He stressed that the fight against terrorism requires both regional and international cooperation.
President Mahama added that Ghana is strengthening surveillance and intelligence-sharing with neighbouring countries as part of measures to enhance border security.
Looking ahead to Ghana’s 2027 chairmanship of the African Union (AU), President Mahama said the country intends to use the position to advance key continental priorities.
These include deepening regional integration, facilitating the movement of goods across Africa and supporting efforts to promote peace and security across the continent.
By Esther Padmore Amonoo
