President Akufo-Addo has expressed disappointment over the recent decision by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The former ECOWAS chair emphasized that this move would have adverse effects on the citizens of the departing nations.
Akufo-Addo noted that a summit is pending to assess the repercussions of this unexpected development and to chart a way forward for the ECOWAS community.
The announcement of the withdrawal came last week from the junta-led countries, which had already faced suspension from the regional bloc due to their deviation from democratic governance.
In a joint statement broadcasted on state media, the departing nations cited a “sovereign decision” to exit ECOWAS, alleging a departure from the original ideals of the founding fathers and the principles of Pan-Africanism.
Tensions between ECOWAS and the three countries escalated following military coups in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, with the bloc consistently urging a return to civilian rule.
The awaited summit, to be convened under the guidance of Nigerian President Tinubu, is anticipated to shed light on the implications of this withdrawal and the potential future course for the regional alliance.
