Ghana’s security and intelligence agencies have held strategic discussions with counterparts from Mali’s National Security and Civil Protection agency to bolster efforts against terrorism and insecurity in West Africa.
The engagement, which follows similar collaborations with Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo, underscores Ghana’s leadership in fostering a regional front against terrorism.
The meeting, held last Friday, was attended by Ghana’s Minister for National Security, Hon. Albert Kan-Dapaah; Chief of Army Staff, Major General Bismarck Kwasi Onwona; and other senior Ghanaian military officers.
Mali’s delegation included General Aly Mohammedine, Minister for National Security, and other high-ranking Malian security officials.
Discussions centred on developing nuanced approaches to combat terrorism effectively, given its unique impact on the African continent, particularly in the Sahel region.
During the meeting, Mr. Kan-Dapaah stressed the need for security experts to lead the counterterrorism fight, arguing that African terrorism poses a direct territorial threat, distinct from the ideological focus seen in the West.
“The complexities of terrorism in Africa—especially in the Sahel—demand sophisticated strategies beyond political interests,” he explained.
Acknowledging Mali’s extensive experience with counterterrorism operations, Mr. Kan-Dapaah called Mali an essential partner in any successful regional response.
“Without Mali’s cooperation, combating terrorism within West Africa would be nearly impossible,” he noted, cautioning that without coordinated action, the terrorist threat could become unmanageable within two years, endangering stability across the sub-region.
Discussions also covered regional security collaboration challenges, particularly considering recent political developments within ECOWAS.
The creation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and the departure of its member states from ECOWAS have created tension and posed new obstacles to security cooperation in West Africa.
Mr. Kan-Dapaah called for renewed bilateral agreements founded on trust, proposing that regional partnerships be reassessed to ensure effective collaboration amid shifting alliances.
General Mohammedine praised his Ghanaian counterpart’s experience and objective approach to addressing regional security, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among African nations.
“Security is a foundation for development,” he affirmed, underscoring Mali’s commitment to counterterrorism as a borderless issue that demands regional unity.
He expressed optimism that public support for security initiatives could bolster Mali’s army and enhance regional security cooperation, including with Ghana.
This Ghana-Mali engagement is part of Ghana’s continued efforts to build a united front against terrorism, a mission Ghana has advanced since 2017 through the Accra Initiative.
By spearheading cooperative security solutions, Ghana has brought West African nations together to address transnational threats, reinforcing its role as a stabilizing force in the region.
Despite recent political shifts and tensions within ECOWAS, Ghana remains committed to regional stability and solidarity, positioning itself as a vital partner in combating terrorism and fortifying security across West Africa.
This latest collaboration with Mali reaffirms Ghana’s leadership and commitment to safeguarding the region’s stability and resilience.