The President, John Dramani Mahama, is set to embark on a tour of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from March 8 to March 10, 2025, as part of efforts to restore ties between the breakaway Sahel nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
A letter from President Mahama, dated March 7, was read to lawmakers by Speaker Alban Bagbin. The notice formally informed Parliament of his planned absence from Ghana.
According to the letter, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang will assume presidential duties during his absence, in line with Article 60(8) of the 1992 Constitution.
Diplomatic Efforts to restore ECOWAS unity
The visit forms part of President Mahama’s broader diplomatic initiative to strengthen Ghana’s relations with its ECOWAS neighbours and address regional security concerns, particularly regarding the recently formed Alliance of Sahel States.
Earlier in February, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, revealed that President Mahama had been leading negotiations to reintegrate Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso into ECOWAS.
The president has already appointed a special envoy to engage with the leadership of the three nations ahead of his diplomatic mission.
The three Sahel countries announced their departure from ECOWAS in January 2024, citing dissatisfaction with the bloc’s approach to governance and security issues.
