Ghana officially recognizes ASS, Mahama appoints Gbevlo Lartey as special envoy

Ghana has officially recognized the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS), a regional bloc formed between Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso aimed at addressing shared security concerns, economic development, and cooperation among member states

President John Mahama has appointed Larry Gbevlo-Lartey as Special Envoy to the Alliance, a decision that will likely anger the French and the Western powers.

Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, a retired Ghanaian military personnel, brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as National Security Coordinator of Ghana. His expertise will be invaluable in fostering collaboration between Ghana and the Alliance of Sahel States.

It is not surprising President Mahama has recognized the ASS which broke away from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)  in 2023 after the regional bloc threatened to intervene militarily to restore civilian rule after a coup in Niger earlier that year

Burkina Faso’s military leader Capt Ibrahim Traore attended President Mahama’s inauguration holstering pistol at his waist. Prior to the event, relations between Ghana and Burkina Faso had been strained, particularly after former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo accused Traore of harbouring Russian mercenaries.

The Sahel region led by junta leaders has faced significant security challenges, including terrorism and insurgency, which have displaced millions and exacerbated a food crisis.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has not yet issued a statement regarding Ghana’s recognition of the Alliance of Sahelian States and the appointment of a special envoy to the regional bloc.