Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama met in Abidjan on Wednesday to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional stability. They emphasized the importance of keeping Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to ensure regional unity and security.
The two leaders focused on key areas of collaboration, including trade, security, and economic development. As the world’s largest cocoa producers, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana pledged to work together to stabilize prices and improve conditions for farmers. Their discussions also covered the energy and mining sectors, as well as major regional infrastructure projects such as the Abidjan-Lagos corridor and the proposed common currency, the ECO. They reaffirmed their commitment to the 2017 Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Strategic Partnership Agreement, which aims to strengthen trade and diplomatic ties.
Mahama emphasized the deep cultural and historical connections between Ivorians and Ghanaians, describing them as “one people.” He called for stronger economic ties and encouraged both countries to take full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), headquartered in Accra. Closer collaboration, he noted, would attract investment, create jobs, and enhance their influence in regional trade.
Security was another major focus of the talks. The two leaders expressed concern over growing threats such as terrorism, maritime piracy, and organized crime. They agreed to enhance intelligence sharing and defense cooperation to protect their countries and the broader West African region. Climate change and its impact on regional stability were also discussed, with both leaders stressing the need for coordinated action.
During a joint press conference, Ouattara and Mahama addressed the situation in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2024 to form the Sahel States Alliance (AES). They highlighted the humanitarian and security challenges resulting from this decision and urged the three nations to reconsider their exit. Ouattara underscored the importance of regional unity, stating, “We are stronger as 15 nations than as three. The future of West Africa depends on our ability to work together.”
Mahama echoed this sentiment, pledging to engage with the AES countries to find a solution that preserves regional cooperation. He acknowledged the economic ties between ECOWAS nations and the difficulties faced by citizens of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger living in Côte d’Ivoire and other member states due to border restrictions. Many have experienced disruptions in trade and uncertainty over their legal status. “Our economies are deeply connected, and we must work towards a united and prosperous West Africa,” Mahama said.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong relationship between Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Both leaders committed to advancing economic growth, security, and diplomatic efforts to maintain regional stability. They also pledged to support initiatives that strengthen ECOWAS and prevent further divisions within West Africa.