Mahama: Sahel terror threat puts entire continent in danger

President John Dramani Mahama has warned that the growing wave of terrorism in the Sahel poses threat to the entire African continent, cautioning that failure to act decisively could have far-reaching consequences.

Speaking at the Presidency during the presentation of credentials by the French Ambassador to Ghana, President Mahama described the situation as urgent and dangerous, likening terrorism to a disease that spreads if left unchecked.

“Terrorism is like a cancer. If you don’t deal with it effectively, it spreads,” he stated.

The President stressed that the instability in the Sahel is no longer a regional issue but one that has the potential to engulf multiple parts of Africa.

“What is happening in the Sahel has the capacity to affect the whole of Africa… from Central Africa and even all the way down to Mozambique, there are issues to do with terrorism,” he said.

He warned that a failure to contain the threat could lead to a broader continental crisis.

“And if these cancer cells join together, then it means that that will be the end of Africa as we know it,” Mahama cautioned.

Highlighting Ghana’s diplomatic efforts, the President revealed that he has engaged leaders in the Sahel region to promote dialogue and strengthen cooperation in addressing the security challenge.

“Ghana has been doing its best to try to open a channel of communication with our neighbours,” he noted. “Since I came to ECOWAS, I paid a visit to all the three countries… and I believe that that has created a kind of rapprochement.”

Mahama also disclosed ongoing efforts to establish a new framework for regional collaboration following shifts in existing security arrangements.

“We’re trying to see if we can create a new framework for cooperation in the fight against terrorism,” he explained. “We’ve come out with a draft framework which we are circulating to all the partners.”

He further underscored the importance of international partnerships, particularly Ghana’s cooperation with France in counter-terrorism efforts.

“We have very good cooperation with France when it comes to terrorism, in terms of intelligence sharing, in terms of training, and we want to continue to keep that work going,” he said.

Calling for broader global support, the President urged all nations committed to fighting terrorism to contribute to efforts in the region.

“All countries that are joined in the fight against terrorism should be welcome to assist us in our common fight against terrorists,” he added.

Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working with regional and international partners to prevent the spread of extremism and ensure lasting peace and stability across Africa.