The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called for enhanced regional collaboration and coordinated action to address the growing threat of violent extremism and insecurity in the Sahel.

Speaking at a high-level policy discussion at Chatham House in London, Mr Ablakwa emphasised that the deteriorating security situation in the region poses serious implications for stability across West Africa, requiring sustained cooperation among countries in the sub-region.

The discussion formed part of broader international efforts to explore practical solutions to the security crisis in the Sahel and identify pathways for rebuilding regional stability through stronger partnerships between African states and global actors. It also examined the rising threat of violent extremism in the region and explored strategies for strengthening cooperation among countries to confront these challenges.

At the outset of the session, the minister paid tribute to eight Ghanaians who lost their lives in a terrorist attack in Titao, Burkina Faso, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the expanding reach of extremist violence in the Sahel.

He stressed that the evolving threat of terrorism demands well-coordinated regional responses, stronger governance systems, and closer collaboration among governments. While military and security interventions remain important, addressing the root causes of violent extremism is equally critical to achieving lasting peace, he noted.

“Weak governance structures, ungoverned spaces, and socio-economic vulnerabilities continue to create fertile conditions for extremist groups to operate. These challenges must be addressed through stronger institutions, improved governance, and expanded economic opportunities for vulnerable communities,” Mr Ablakwa said.

The minister emphasised the need for a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to tackling insecurity in the Sahel, including strengthened intelligence cooperation, improved surveillance capabilities, and enhanced regional security frameworks.

Highlighting Ghana’s commitment to promoting dialogue and cooperation among West African countries, Mr Ablakwa said the nation continues to engage regional and international partners to strengthen mechanisms aimed at responding effectively to evolving security challenges.

He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening its national security architecture to safeguard its territorial integrity, noting that the government has implemented measures to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities as part of broader efforts to protect the country from emerging threats linked to instability in the Sahel.

Mr Ablakwa further reiterated that security cooperation with international partners must always respect national sovereignty and align with the country’s strategic interests. While partnerships with global actors remain crucial in strengthening national and regional security capacities, he stressed that such collaborations must support African-led solutions to Africa’s security challenges.

Also participating in the discussion was Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who shared perspectives on regional security cooperation and efforts to combat violent extremism across West Africa. He highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration among West African countries, noting that collective diplomatic engagement, intelligence sharing, and coordinated security responses are essential to confronting the growing threats posed by extremist groups operating across the Sahel and the wider sub-region.

The policy discussion, chaired by Martine Dennis, founder and host of Africa Here and Now, brought together policy experts and diplomats to deliberate on strategies for addressing the rising security threats in the Sahel and strengthening regional order.