Ghana Appoints Envoy to AES, Signals Effort to Mend Regional Ties

In a significant diplomatic move, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, a former national security chief, as the country's envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This appointment reflects Ghana's intent to rebuild relations with Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, three nations that have distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following military coups.

Image Source: Ghanaian Times

The AES, formed in July 2024, represents a new bloc aimed at fostering regional cooperation among its members while rejecting ECOWAS, which they accuse of being aligned with external powers like France. Ghana's relationship with Burkina Faso had notably soured in 2022 over allegations of Wagner mercenaries operating near Ghana’s northern border. The appointment of Gbevlo-Lartey, described as the first of its kind within ECOWAS, underscores Mahama’s commitment to reestablishing trust with the military-led governments.

Gbevlo-Lartey’s extensive security background makes him a strategic choice for this role. Security expert Emmanuel Kwesi Aning highlighted his ability to navigate the complexities of engaging with the AES leadership, which has been at odds with traditional West African diplomatic frameworks. The move is seen as a proactive step to strengthen ties with the Sahel states, particularly as the region continues to grapple with security challenges posed by jihadist insurgencies.

The appointment comes as President Mahama steers Ghana through a period of economic recovery and political recalibration. Alongside Gbevlo-Lartey’s new role, Mahama has named Edward Omane Boamah as defense minister and Seth Terkper as his presidential economic adviser, signaling a focus on both security and economic stability.

Ghana’s engagement with the AES could mark a turning point in its regional diplomacy, emphasizing dialogue and collaboration in a region marked by political upheavals and shifting alliances. As the AES seeks to redefine its role in West Africa, Ghana’s outreach may serve as a bridge between ECOWAS and the Sahel bloc, fostering a more inclusive approach to regional challenges.