Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traoré met on March 10 to strengthen bilateral ties and address issues within ECOWAS, where trust has eroded significantly. Their discussions focused on the security situation in the Sahel, the threat of terrorism, and enhancing economic cooperation, including direct flight connections and electricity exports.

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama engaged in high-level discussions with Burkina Faso’s interim leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, aimed at fostering regional stability and enhancing economic partnerships. The meeting took place in Ouagadougou on March 10 and prioritized initiatives to improve relations within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), amid concerns regarding trust among its members.

During the closed-door talks, President Mahama highlighted the pressing breakdown of trust within ECOWAS, exacerbated by the recent withdrawals of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. He pledged to convey these concerns to fellow West African leaders at an upcoming ECOWAS summit, underlining the significance of restoring cooperation and trust in the region. Mahama stated, “It will take time to rebuild it, but we must work on it so that we restore trust and confidence with each other.”

The leaders also deliberated on the security challenges facing the Sahel region, noting the rising threat of terrorism and the permeation of extremist groups from Mali into Burkina Faso and Niger. President Mahama emphasized the necessity for a unified approach to effectively combat this escalating crisis. Furthermore, discussions included advancing economic collaboration, such as launching a direct flight from Accra to Ouagadougou to promote trade, particularly in agricultural products. Plans to enhance electricity exports from Ghana to Burkina Faso and streamline fuel supplies through a petroleum pipeline were also examined.

The meeting between President Mahama and Captain Traoré serves as an essential step towards reinforcing ties between Ghana and Burkina Faso. Their discussions highlighted the urgent need to restore trust within ECOWAS, address regional security threats, and enhance economic collaboration, which are vital to ensuring regional stability and prosperity. The proposed initiatives, including direct flights and improved energy cooperation, signal a commitment to strengthen bilateral relations despite ongoing challenges.

Original Source: northafricapost.com

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