Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama called the departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS “regrettable,” urging renewed dialogue.
He made the remarks in Accra on Tuesday during the launch of the West African bloc’s 50th anniversary, emphasizing unity over division.
“We must respond not with isolation or recrimination, but with understanding, dialogue, and a willingness to engage,” Mahama said.
Since taking office, he has focused on re-establishing diplomatic ties, appointing a special envoy to maintain contact with the Sahel states.
Mahama emphasized that the region shares a common destiny and that unity, though difficult, remains the most reliable path forward.
He called for greater empathy with the Sahel countries, acknowledging the grave challenges they continue to face.
The withdrawal of the three nations reduces ECOWAS membership from 15 to 12, casting a shadow over the golden jubilee celebrations.
The event in Accra, themed “Stronger Together for a Brighter Future,” marked both celebration and reflection on the bloc’s five-decade journey.
Mahama described the occasion as a solemn reminder of shared values—unity, peace, integration, and diplomacy—that built the regional alliance.
He hailed ECOWAS as a growing political force, proving that “African solutions through African diplomacy can and do work.”
The bloc unveiled its 50th-anniversary logo, symbolizing progress and resilience, according to Vice President Damtien Tchintchibidja.