The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has hinted at a possible return of the Malian government to civilian rule in a matter of days amid threats to impose restrictions should push come to shove.
President Akufo-Addo, who doubles as the Chairman of the bloc, after Tuesday's meeting explained that talks with the head of Mali's new military junta, Col Assimi Goita was progressive.
An earlier ultimatum set by the leaders for a handover by close of day September 15 was not met as Col. Assimi Goita leaves the shores of Ghana for Bamako.
But President Akufo-Addo told the press after the meeting that the military leader has agreed to, upon his arrival in Mali, engage the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP) further as part of measures to implement its commitments agreed at the ECOWAS meeting.
“I am hoping that by the time he [Col. Goita] gets there, these things would have been completed so that the sanctions will be lifted. We’re talking, hopefully in days, not in weeks” he said.
The ECOWAS Chairman further revealed that Col Assimi Goita “participated in the discussion but we insisted that he goes back and do the consultation with those who are responsible for the decisions and get their buy-in.”
The President made these comments at the gathering of West African heads of State in Ghana to deliberate on possible solutions to the political crisis in Mali following a coup to oust President Bubakar Keïta in August.
ECOWAS also cautioned further sanctions if the military leaders fail to adhere to the conclusions reached at Tuesday's meeting.
These sanctions could range from closure of member states' borders to Mali, restriction of financial inflows and sidelining from decisions concerning the regional bloc among others.
This development comes amid calls by ECOWAS for Mr Keïta's reinstatement as President.
Latest Stories
-
3 confirmed dead in Ejisu-Konongo Highway collision, 1 injured
26 mins -
Fatawu Issahaku gets assist as Leicester City beat Preston to win Championship title
46 mins -
Child’s right advocate criticises state’s handling of ‘victim’ in alleged child marriage case
48 mins -
NPP has created 2.1m jobs in seven years – Bawumia
1 hour -
Akosombo Dam spillage: We’re considering a class action suit against government – Ablakwa
1 hour -
Government offers teacher unions about 70% increment in continuous professional development allowance
1 hour -
Everyone must show interest in depleting pension funds – Pensions Expert
2 hours -
African Business Heroes: African SMEs ready to compete for a share of $1.5m grant
2 hours -
My government will partner with faith-based groups in development – Bawumia
2 hours -
Joy Prime’s Prime Morning to host show at sea in May Day celebration with Ghana Navy
2 hours -
Why increase contribution rate when you can’t manage what is given you? – NAGRAT asks SSNIT
3 hours -
There are greener pastures in Ghana – Prof Owusu-Dabo
4 hours -
Myjoyonline Interview with Abubakar Tahiru: Guinness World Record Holder for ‘Most Trees Hugged In An Hour’
4 hours -
JoyNews’ Clinton Yeboah honoured at 2023 Int’l Sports Media Awards in Spain
5 hours -
14 PWDs selected for maiden Africa Health Collaborative Medicine Counter Assistant training
5 hours