As part of efforts in enhancing regional security cooperation, senior officials of Ghana’s security and intelligence agencies, led by the Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Bismarck Kwasi Onwona and other senior military officers on Friday held strategic discussions with Mali’s Minister for National Security and Civil Protection, General Aly Mohammedine and other Senior Security Officials of the Malian government at Bamako in Mali.

The high-level meeting, which followed similar engagements with Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo, underscores Ghana's ongoing leadership in championing collaborative efforts against terrorism and insecurity in the West African sub-region.

During the Friday [Nov 8, 2024] meeting, Mr Kan-Dapaah emphasised the pressing need for security experts to lead the fight against terrorism, underscoring that the complexities of terrorism in Africa—particularly in the Sahel—demand nuanced approaches beyond political interests.

He highlighted that unlike the United States or Europe, where terrorism often seeks symbolic or ideological impact, terrorism in Africa poses an immediate territorial threat, aiming to establish influence across swathes of land and affecting countless communities.

Mr Kan-Dapaah pointed out that Mali’s extensive experience in counter terrorism operations makes it a crucial partner for any effective regional response. "Without Mali’s cooperation, combating terrorism within West Africa would be nearly impossible," he noted.

Acknowledging the high stakes, he warned that without prompt and coordinated action, the terrorist threat could become unmanageable within two years, threatening the stability and safety of the entire sub-region.

The meeting also reflected on broader regional challenges to security cooperation, particularly in light of recent developments within ECOWAS.

The establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and the exit of its member states from ECOWAS signalled growing tensions in the sub-region, posing significant challenges to security partnerships.

In response, Mr Kan-Dapaah called for renewed bilateral agreements rooted in trust and cooperation, proposing a re-evaluation of relationships within the sub-region to ensure effective collaboration.

Mali's Minister for National Security, General Mohammedine, praised Mr Kan-Dapaah for his extensive experience and objective approach to addressing regional security.

He affirmed that security is a foundational development pillar and reiterated Mali’s commitment to tackling terrorism as a borderless threat, underscoring the importance of solidarity among African nations. 

General Mohammedine expressed optimism that public support for security initiatives could strengthen the influence of Mali’s army and enhance collaborative security efforts with regional allies, including Ghana.

The Ghana-Mali security collaboration discussions are part of Ghana’s ongoing efforts to consolidate a regional front against terrorism, a mission Ghana has led since 2017 with the establishment of the Accra Initiative.

By spearheading this initiative, Ghana has persistently promoted cooperative security solutions, bringing together West African nations to address transnational threats.

Amid recent political tensions and realignments within ECOWAS, Ghana continues to demonstrate its commitment to regional stability and solidarity, positioning itself as a critical partner in tackling terrorism and fortifying West African security.

This latest engagement with Mali reaffirms Ghana’s enduring leadership role and the nation’s readiness to support its neighbours, advancing collaborative efforts to safeguard the stability and resilience of the West African sub-region.