President Mahama calls for closer Ghana-Niger ties to strengthen security and trade

President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger security and trade relations between Ghana and Niger following discussions with Niger’s leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, in Niamey.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page today March 10, 2025, Mr Mahama stressed the need for cooperation in addressing regional security threats and expanding economic opportunities.

“Our discussions covered efforts to tackle terrorism in the Sahel and West Africa, improve trade between our two countries, and strengthen diplomatic ties,” he said.

The President also urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to engage with the Alliance of Sahel States—a bloc formed by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso after their exit from ECOWAS to promote regional stability.

Mr Mahama’s visit to Niger is part of a broader tour of West Africa aimed at strengthening ties and fostering economic cooperation.

On March 8, he met Mali’s Transitional President, General Assimi Goïta, in Bamako, where they discussed security challenges, economic partnerships, and Mali’s potential return to ECOWAS.

Before his visit to Mali, Mr Mahama toured Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Gabon, holding discussions on trade, security, and diplomacy.

He described these visits as steps to deepen Ghana’s relationships with its neighbours.

Mr Mahama is expected to visit Burkina Faso next, with discussions likely to centre on security concerns as the country battles armed insurgencies.

Trade will also be on the agenda, given Ghana’s strong economic ties with Burkina Faso, particularly in cross-border commerce and agricultural exports.