Ghana has reaffirmed its unwavering solidarity with Niger and other members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), as President John Dramani Mahama extends support to the newly inaugurated Conseil Consultatif de la Refondation du Niger (Consultative Council for the Rebuilding of Niger).

This message of Pan-African unity was delivered in Niamey over the weekend by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin, who represented President Mahama at the official launch of the Council.

In a speech filled with goodwill and a strong sense of regional brotherhood, Speaker Bagbin praised the people of Niger for their bold commitment to inclusive development and participatory governance. He described the formation of the Council as a significant step towards national renewal amid persistent terrorist threats destabilising the Sahel.

“President John Dramani Mahama has asked me to reiterate, on this memorable occasion, that Ghana stands by the Republic of Niger and all other AES countries in their quest to protect their citizenry from the criminal terrorism menace that currently confronts us in our sub-region,” Speaker Bagbin said.

He further noted that Ghana’s appointment of a Special Envoy to the Sahel highlights its continued commitment to peacebuilding and regional cooperation.

Describing the Council as more than a political institution, Mr Bagbin called it “a true symbol of unity” that echoes Ghana’s own democratic journey under the late President Jerry John Rawlings.

He drew parallels between Niger’s current reform efforts and Ghana’s 1990s transition to constitutional rule through a broad-based Consultative Assembly.

“Your country is on the right path,” he said. “The establishment of this Council mirrors our journey through the Consultative Assembly, which redefined our governance landscape. I commend you highly for the decision and commitment.”

Speaker Bagbin also highlighted Ghana’s ongoing constitutional review process under President Mahama, extending an invitation to the Nigerien Council to send observers to Ghana as part of cross-border learning and experience-sharing.

He stressed the importance of inter-African collaboration in tackling common challenges such as violent extremism, economic hardship, youth unemployment, and climate-related pressures.

“Our strength lies in our unity and our willingness to learn from one another,” the Speaker concluded.

The reaffirmed support from Ghana comes at a crucial moment for the Sahel region, which continues to face pressing security and governance challenges.

The move is being seen as a significant gesture of African solidarity rooted in shared history, mutual respect, and a collective vision for a stable and prosperous continent.