President Mahama visits Abidjan to strengthen regional cooperation

The Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama, will make an official visit to Abidjan this Wednesday, March 5, 2025, to meet with his Ivorian counterpart, Alassane Dramane Ouattara. This meeting aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, while addressing crucial political and security issues for the West African sub-region.

The discussions will focus on the fight against transnational crime and terrorist attacks that threaten the shared border of the two countries. The two heads of state will seek to coordinate their efforts to improve security and stabilize the border area, which is essential for the economic and social development of both nations.

Another major topic on the agenda is the recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the creation of the Sahel States Alliance (AES). President Mahama, a strong advocate for dialogue, has called for maintaining exchanges with these three countries. He has also appointed a special envoy to the AES, demonstrating his commitment to preserving regional unity and stability.

This visit takes place in a context marked by increasing security and political challenges in West Africa. The two leaders are also expected to discuss ways to revive regional integration and strengthen cooperation mechanisms within ECOWAS, despite the recent upheavals.

The meeting between Mahama and Ouattara is strategically important as it highlights the two countries’ desire to play a leading role in resolving regional crises. It also underscores the importance of dialogue and collaboration to face common challenges, whether security, economic, or political.

This visit could pave the way for concrete initiatives to strengthen stability and prosperity in West Africa, while reinforcing the historical ties between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.