By Bright Ntramah
President Akufo-Addo has urged colleague Heads of State of ECOWAS member countries to take appropriate decisions that will advance the future of Mali and ECOWAS.
He was speaking at an emergency meeting in Accra to deliberate on transition proposals by the Malian government.
He was hopeful that the outcome of the deliberations will contribute to the promotion of democracy and consolidate peace and security in the sub-region.
These are contained in President Akufo-Addo’s opening remarks at the Extraordinary session of ECOWAS on the Malian crisis.
The Accra summit will examine the timetable submitted to the special envoy on Mali , Good Luck Jonathan by the Malian authorities following a double push to return power to civilians.
The Malian authorities want to make this transition last up to five years from January 1, 2022. ECOWAS has however condemned the move calling the delay unacceptable.
The Community wants the original 27th February date of handing over power to civilian government respected.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS leaders will decide on how to respond to the Malian proposal that could stretch elections to the end of 2026.
Chairman of ECOWAS, Nana Akufo-Addo noted “that National, regional and international stakeholders are all awaiting the results of the Accra Summit on Mali'”.
He was hopeful the Summit will take decisions that will be beneficial to both Mali and ECOWAS.
This is the 6th Extraordinary Summit of ECOWAS on the issue of Guinea and Mali. A communique is expected to be released after the meeting.
