President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has held extensive discussions with Mali’s transitional leader, General Assimi Goita, during a significant working visit to Bamako aimed at reinforcing bilateral relations and addressing pressing regional security concerns.
The visit on Saturday forms part of President Mahama’s planned diplomatic tour that will also take him to Niger and Burkina Faso – all three countries having recently withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
President Mahama was warmly received at the airport by General Goita before proceeding to the Presidential Palace for their formal meetings, underscoring the importance both nations place on this diplomatic engagement.
Following closed-door talks, Mr Mahama emphasised the deep historical connections between Ghana and Mali dating back to their founding fathers, Dr Kwame Nkrumah and President Modibo Keita.
“Everybody knows the historic relations that have existed between Ghana and Mali since the period of our ex-presidents, Keita and Dr Kwame Nkrumah,” said President Mahama, adding that his visit was also to express gratitude to President Goita for allowing Prime Minister Maiga to attend his inauguration in Ghana earlier this year.
The Ghanaian leader particularly emphasised the importance of transit trade between the two nations, noting that the deep cultural ties binding Ghana and Mali serve as a strong foundation for enhanced economic cooperation across the subregion.
A key outcome of the discussions was the commitment to revitalise the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation, which has remained inactive since 2011. This mechanism aims to resolve existing trade and diplomatic challenges between the two nations, potentially opening new avenues for economic collaboration.
Amid growing insurgency and terrorism threats across West Africa, President Mahama engaged in crucial security discussions, particularly regarding cooperation with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) – the coalition formed by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. He stressed the importance of strengthening ties to advance Africa’s sovereignty and develop collaborative solutions to these pressing regional challenges.
The visit takes place against the backdrop of complex relations between ECOWAS and the Sahel states. Despite these countries’ withdrawal from the regional bloc, Mr Mahama emphasised that “friendship and brotherly love between the people should continue,” advocating for ongoing dialogue and reconciliation between the Sahel states and ECOWAS.
In a gesture reflecting his commitment to Ghanaian citizens abroad, President Mahama stopped along the road in front of his hotel to acknowledge greetings from members of the Ghanaian community in Bamako.
The day concluded with a symbolic visit to the historic statue of Dr Kwame Nkrumah located in the heart of Bamako – a powerful reminder of the shared pan-African aspirations and historical connections that bind Ghana and Mali.
This visit continues President Mahama’s active efforts to engage with neighbouring countries and strengthen Ghana’s longstanding policy of good neighbourliness within the West African region.
