By Sarah Baafi
President John Dramani Mahama has called for a renewed collective commitment among West African states to confront the growing threat of terrorism and extremism, warning that insecurity in the region transcends national borders and demands a new, coordinated approach.
Speaking at the High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security in Accra, President Mahama stressed that no single country can address the menace alone, as extremist threats continue to exploit weak borders and fragile state institutions.
He condemned the recent attack in Niger, describing it as a stark reminder of the region’s shared vulnerability, and urged member states to strengthen existing security frameworks and deepen coordination at all levels.
“The dangers of terrorism and extremism affect all of us. These threats do not respect borders, and our response must reflect that reality,” he said.
The conference brought together Heads of State, Ministers, Ambassadors, and Intelligence Chiefs from across West Africa, with the aim of rebuilding and deepening sub-regional cooperation to enhance resilience, restore confidence, and confront structural factors fueling instability.
He emphasized that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through military action alone, underscoring the role of quality healthcare, improved infrastructure, and inclusive economic development in rebuilding trust between governments and citizens.
According to him, addressing socio-economic challenges is critical to weakening the appeal of extremist groups and fostering long-term stability across the sub-region.
President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, commended President Mahama for convening the conference and echoed the call for deeper collaboration, noting that terrorism often flourishes in environments marked by poverty, mistrust, and broken social contracts.
“Insecurity thrives where citizens lose faith in the state,” President Bio said, calling for intensified intelligence sharing and stronger regional cooperation to confront emerging threats.
The conference is expected to produce concrete recommendations aimed at strengthening collective security mechanisms and promoting a unified regional response to terrorism and instability in West Africa.
