President John Dramani Mahama has called for collaboration among West African nations to combat escalating threats from terrorism and violent extremism.
Speaking at the opening of the Summit of the Heads of State held as part of the High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security in Accra last Friday, he emphasised the significance of member nations committing to the Accra Initiative, a cooperative framework established in 2017 to combat the spread of terrorism.
He expressed concern about recent developments that have undermined the initiative, saying, “The advent of new conflicts and the mistrust among once-aligned nations have rendered our collective efforts ineffective.”
The President cited a horrific attack in Niger as a sobering reminder of the weaknesses in the region and expressed solidarity with the government and people of Niger, emphasising the need for consensus on collective action to address security threats.
He reflected on the interconnectedness of the nations in the sub-region, stating, “It is neither realistic nor sustainable for any state to pursue peace, security, or prosperity in isolation.” This interdependence makes it imperative to address security challenges as shared responsibilities.
President Mahama, amid socioeconomic pressures, outlined a vision for a more integrated understanding of human security and preventive diplomacy, pointing out that as challenges converge, approaches must be dynamic, cohesive, and inclusive, given that traditional responses are insufficient for today’s complex landscape.
He acknowledged past shortcomings and noted that “Coordination gaps and limited follow-through have sometimes weakened our impact. We must strengthen and adapt existing frameworks to meet today’s realities.”
The President emphasised the importance of a new collaborative framework that respects national sovereignty while reinforcing accountability.
“When young people have access to quality education and decent employment, they are less vulnerable to extremist influences,” he added, linking opportunities for development to long-term regional stability.
He emphasised the importance of leaders addressing their citizens’ needs, noting that success will be measured not by declarations but by the tangible improvements experienced in daily lives.
President Mahama expressed hope that the conference marks a turning point in regional cooperation.
“By choosing unity over fragmentation, we can demonstrate to our citizens that leadership is defined by courage and solidarity,” he stated.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
