Member of Parliament for Assin Central Constituency and Chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has expressed his support for the deployment of Ghanaian troops to Niger if the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) decides on a military intervention.

ECOWAS has urged member states to establish a standby force as a potential solution to the crisis in Niger.

The regional body aims to secure the release of President Mohamed Bazoum from house arrest and reinstate him as the constitutionally-elected head of state.

Scheduled for August 17, ECOWAS' Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff will meet in Accra to determine the best course of action for restoring constitutional order in Niger.

In an interview with the media, Agyapong, a former member of the ECOWAS Parliament, asserted that a combined West African military effort would act as a deterrent to other states in the sub-region.

“We have an obligation as Ecowas countries and you cannot run away from it,” he said.

He highlighted that ECOWAS member countries have a responsibility to address such situations and prevent coup attempts. Agyapong emphasized that the situation in Niger should be used as an example to discourage future coup d'état attempts, considering the increasing frequency of such incidents in the region.

“should serve as a deterrent because coups d’etat is becoming rampant in Ecowas so we should use Niger to serve as a deterrent and say anybody who tries again, Ecowas will come after them and this is not the first time”.

Recognizing Ghana's vital contribution to the force, he labeled Ghana as the second most significant country in West Africa and stressed the nation's importance within ECOWAS.

“In fact, the second most important country in West Africa is Ghana. I’ve been an Ecowas member [of Parliament] before so it is an obligation.”

Agyapong asserted that allowing coups to occur within the sub-region could have serious consequences for political stability, leading to arrests, dissolution of parliaments, and curbs on press freedom.

“If we make a mistake and we allow coups d’etat all over West Africa, tomorrow it will be me and you and the first thing is that the two of us will go to jail first before anybody.

“They will dissolve Parliament, they will arrest journalists, check all the coups. So, the security of this county is very very important and no matter the amount of money prevention is better than cure. Prevention will not cost you as much as you are curing it,” he added.

He emphasized the significance of prioritizing security and prevention measures to avoid costly remedies.