The Foreign Affairs Minister nominee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has underlined the significance of enhancing Ghana's diplomatic relations with the Sahelian States, describing them as "good neighbours" with common strategic objectives.

During his vetting before the Appointments Committee on Friday, January 31, Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that cultivating strong connections with the Sahelian region is essential for Ghana, given the area's increasing influence on West African political and security matters.

“It’s in Ghana’s strategic interest to relate well with the Sahelian States,” he stated, stressing that cooperation in areas such as security, trade, and regional development is essential for mutual benefit.

He called the Sahelian States Ghana's "good neighbours," and highlighted their significant contribution to regional stability.

Mr. Ablakwa shared that Ghana's diplomatic efforts with these countries will aim to establish collaborations that foster peace and development across the region.

This comes shortly after the Sahelian States—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—announced their exit from ECOWAS.