President John Mahama has called for renewed collective action to tackle terrorism and extremism in West Africa, warning that insecurity in the region affects all countries and requires a new and coordinated approach.

Speaking at the High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security in Accra, President Mahama condemned the recent attack in Niger and urged countries in the sub-region to strengthen existing security frameworks and cooperation.

“Threats do not respect borders,” he said, stressing the need for closer coordination among West African states to address shared security challenges.

The conference brought together Heads of State, Ministers, Ambassadors, and Intelligence Chiefs from across West Africa.

It is aimed at rebuilding and strengthening sub-regional cooperation to enhance resilience, restore trust, and address the underlying causes of instability.

President Mahama said lasting peace cannot be achieved through security measures alone.

He emphasised the need for improved healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development as key tools for rebuilding trust and promoting stability across the region.

President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone commended President Mahama for convening the conference and highlighted the link between insecurity and social conditions.

He noted that terrorism often thrives where social contracts have broken down and where poverty and mistrust persist.

President Bio called for stronger intelligence sharing and deeper collaboration among countries in the region to confront the growing security threats.