Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, making his first visit to Côte d’Ivoire following his election as head of his country, met with Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Together, they appealed to the Alliance of Sahel Countries (AES).
On the sidelines of discussions between the Ghanaian and Ivorian heads of state, President Alassane Ouattara noted during a press briefing that they "extensively discussed the security situation," which remains "very concerning," as well as the sociopolitical situation in the Sahel region.
"We have identified the necessity of providing assistance to these brother countries to enable them to address their humanitarian and security needs. We trust, Mr. President, that during your discussions with these brother countries, you will convince them to remain within ECOWAS, as this is crucial for the future of the peoples of West Africa," said Alassane Ouattara.
For his part, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama emphasized that "there is always the possibility of bringing our brother countries back home. It is better to remain in a group of fifteen than to stay in a group of three."
"These countries matter in the sub-region," and it is important for them to "remain within the ECOWAS framework, particularly because their populations along border areas have economic interests. And as I said, it's always better to remain in a group of fifteen than to stay in a group of three," he reiterated.
"I would also like to appeal to the AES countries, stating that we are stronger as fifteen rather than three. I hope President Mahama’s appeal will be heard by these three brother countries, two of which are neighboring Côte d’Ivoire, so that we can continue together within ECOWAS," Ouattara concluded in response to a journalist's question, according to local media reports.
