Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has called for a renewed and inclusive framework for regional security cooperation to confront terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational crime. He warned that peace, stability, and prosperity in West Africa cannot be achieved through isolated national efforts.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama emphasized the need for unity, trust, and collective responsibility to address shared security threats effectively. Speaking at the opening of the Summit of Heads of State and Government, part of the High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security in Accra, he highlighted the importance of regional solidarity, coordination, and collective action.
The conference focused on addressing terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organized crime, and related challenges in West Africa and the Sahel. President Mahama welcomed fellow leaders, intelligence chiefs, and key stakeholders, stating that the conference provided an opportunity to reflect on the region's challenges and renew collective resolve to act decisively.
He recalled the establishment of the Accra Initiative in 2017 as a cooperative framework to counter terrorism and violent extremism but noted that its effectiveness had been undermined by political realignments and mistrust. Despite these challenges, he stressed that terrorism and violent extremism remained common threats to all countries.
President Mahama cited a recent violent attack in Niger as a reminder of the existential danger confronting the sub-region. He described the Accra meeting as a step towards rebuilding consensus and drawing all countries of the region into a renewed cooperative effort against insecurity.
He emphasized that progress in one country strengthens the collective, while instability in another reverberates across borders. He described West Africa as an interconnected community where threats such as violent extremism and transnational organized crime spread easily across borders, demanding an integrated approach to human security and resilience.
Acknowledging the role of ECOWAS and other regional mechanisms, President Mahama highlighted the need to reinforce, adapt, and better coordinate responses to today's realities. He proposed a renewed framework prioritizing preventive diplomacy, integrating security responses with development and governance, and placing citizen well-being at the center of policy.
The summit also featured remarks from other regional leaders, including President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, who warned of the dangerous phase of terrorism in West Africa. He emphasized the need for decisive and coordinated regional action, governance reforms, and inclusive development to address the root causes of extremism.
Liberian President Joseph Boakai highlighted recent developments in Niger as a wake-up call and expressed support for the conference's efforts. He stressed the importance of collective security and regional cooperation, reaffirming Liberia's commitment to implementing the conference's recommendations.