Ghana has resisted attempts by Algeria to influence its position on Western Sahara, reaffirming its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the region. This follows a broader trend among African nations that have distanced themselves from the separatist Polisario Front, which Algeria backs.
Algeria’s National People’s Assembly President, Ibrahim Boughali, acknowledged his country’s inability to sway Ghana during a meeting with Ghanaian Parliamentary Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin on the sidelines of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2025. Boughali expressed disappointment over Ghana’s decision to withdraw recognition of the Polisario Front but did not acknowledge the wider shift in African diplomatic stances, where several nations have opted for a UN-led resolution to the dispute rather than supporting separatism.
Many African capitals that once backed Polisario have now aligned with Morocco’s diplomatic approach, prioritizing stability and economic cooperation over ideological conflicts. Analysts point to a growing awareness among African nations of the need to pursue pragmatic policies that serve their strategic interests.
Algeria has attempted to counter Morocco’s influence by proposing new economic initiatives to strengthen ties with African countries. Boughali emphasized Algeria’s commitment to intra-African cooperation, citing projects such as the Trans-Saharan Highway and a proposed natural gas pipeline linking Algeria to Nigeria through Niger. However, these efforts have failed to alter the stance of nations like Ghana, which increasingly support Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Ghana’s shift marks a significant diplomatic victory for Morocco, reflecting a broader trend in which multiple African nations have severed or suspended ties with the Polisario Front. Since 2000, Morocco has convinced 46 countries—including 13 in Africa—to withdraw their recognition of the separatist group. Experts note that Morocco’s diplomatic strategy, grounded in economic partnerships and a commitment to international stability, has successfully countered Algeria’s narrative both within Africa and globally.
Ghana’s decision to cut ties with Polisario reinforces Morocco’s position within the African Union and strengthens the case for a potential review of Polisario’s AU membership, as the group lacks the qualifications to be recognized as a state.