President John Mahama has called for enhanced Ghana-Mali cooperation on Sahel security, stressing the need for joint efforts to combat insurgency and terrorism.

Mr Mahama stressed the importance of ensuring peace and promoting trade between the two nations.  

He was speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, January 16, following a closed-door meeting with the Malian Prime Minister, Abdoulaye Maïga, who was in Accra to deliver a special message from Malian President, Assimi Goïta.

President Mahama also acknowledged the sovereign decisions of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to form separate confederations but stressed that despite these temporary setbacks, it remains critical to maintain strong relationships across the region. 

He expressed optimism that the sub-region will eventually achieve integration as a unified body again. 

ECOWAS leaders have sanctioned the departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the regional bloc due to their refusal to embrace civilian rule.

However, the bloc has offered a six-month grace period for these countries to reconsider their decision to restore democratic governance.