President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stressed the urgent need for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to establish a standby force, highlighting its crucial role in protecting the region's stability and security.

He argued that a dedicated ECOWAS standby force would significantly help address the rising wave of military coups and unconstitutional changes in government that have recently destabilised the West African sub-region.

Speaking at the opening of the second Africa Security Conference and Exhibition in Accra, he expressed his firm belief that such a force is not only essential but long overdue.

According to him, the presence of this force would serve as a powerful deterrent to those who attempt to destabilize the region through unconstitutional actions and those who fuel violence through terrorism and insurgencies.

"I have no doubt that had it been in existence earlier, it would have served as a deterrent to the multiplicity of coups and the spread of terrorism," he said.

"The establishment of this force is essential for maintaining regional stability and security. It will enable ECOWAS to respond swiftly and effectively to threats, uphold democratic governance, and promote peace across West Africa."

President Akufo-Addo's comments come amid growing concerns about West Africa's political and security landscape, marked by a resurgence of military coups often driven by political dissatisfaction and economic hardship.

These developments have sparked fears about the future of democracy in the region.

Additionally, the ongoing threats of terrorism and insurgencies, particularly in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have further intensified the region's security challenges.

President Akufo-Addo stated that if a standby force had been operational earlier, it could have played a key role in preventing the series of military coups that have disrupted several West African nations.

He noted that at the most recent ECOWAS summit, leaders agreed to expedite the formation of this force to tackle these challenges head-on.

"The ECOWAS authority agreed to bring the ECOWAS standby force into being as soon as possible," he reiterated, stressing the importance of swift action in securing a stable and democratic future for West Africa.