The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, participated in a High-Level policy discussion at Chatham House in London on strategies for rebuilding regional order and strengthening security in the Sahel. The discussion examined the growing threat of violent extremism in the Sahel and the need for stronger regional cooperation to address the security challenges confronting the region.
At the onset, the Honourable Minister paid tribute to the eight Ghanaians who lost their lives in a terrorist attack in Titao, Burkina Faso and highlighted the worsening security situation in the Sahel and the broader implications for stability across the West African sub-region. He emphasised that the evolving threat of terrorism requires coordinated regional responses, stronger governance systems and sustained collaboration among countries in the region. He also underscored the importance of addressing the underlying drivers of violent extremism, including weak governance structures, ungoverned spaces and socio-economic vulnerabilities that continue to create conditions for extremist groups to operate.
The Minister further stressed the need for a comprehensive and multi-layered approach to tackling insecurity in the region, noting that violent extremism in the Sahel is a complex challenge that requires strengthened intelligence cooperation, improved surveillance capabilities and enhanced regional security frameworks.
Touching on regional diplomatic efforts, the Minister highlighted Ghana’s commitment to promoting dialogue and cooperation among West African countries to address the shared security threats confronting the region. He noted that Ghana continues to work with regional and international partners to strengthen mechanisms aimed at addressing the situation.
Honourable Ablakwa also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening national security architecture, including ongoing efforts to enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity. He further reiterated Ghana’s longstanding position on security cooperation with international partners, stressing that such engagements must be guided by respect for national sovereignty and conducted in the strategic interest of the country.
The discussion formed part of broader international efforts to examine practical solutions for the security crisis in the Sahel and explore pathways for rebuilding regional stability through strengthened cooperation among African states and global partners.
The event also featured the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar OON, who shared perspectives on regional security cooperation and efforts to combat violent extremism across West Africa. The session was chaired by Martine Dennis, Founder and Host, Africa Here and Now.
