ACCRA, Jan 21 (Reuters) – Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has appointed retired Lieutenant Colonel Larry Gbevlo-Lartey as an envoy to the newly-formed alliance between the military-led governments of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. This appointment highlights Mahama’s administration’s commitment to restoring diplomatic and political ties with these three Sahel countries, all of which have been governed by military juntas since a series of coups occurred between 2020 and 2023. These military governments have severed their diplomatic and military relationships with regional powers and Western nations in the wake of their takeovers.

The ties between Ghana and Burkina Faso, in particular, had become strained in 2022, following accusations by former Ghanaian president Nana Akufo-Addo. Akufo-Addo had alleged that Burkina Faso hired Russian Wagner mercenaries, raising alarms in Ghana due to the mercenaries’ presence along Ghana’s northern border. This incident contributed to a breakdown in diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries. The strained relations were further complicated by regional instability and concerns over the presence of foreign military actors in the Sahel region.

Since returning to power after his victory in the December 7 presidential election, which marked a significant political comeback for him, President Mahama has faced the challenge of stabilizing Ghana’s economy, which is currently grappling with its worst financial crisis in decades. Ghana, which is the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, is navigating significant economic difficulties, including high inflation, a steep public debt, and rising unemployment. Amid these challenges, Mahama’s administration has shifted focus to foreign policy initiatives that will help secure Ghana’s place in regional and international diplomacy while attempting to restore stability at home.

One of Mahama’s key strategies to reviving Ghana’s diplomatic standing is the appointment of Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, a seasoned security expert with extensive experience in African security and diplomacy. Gbevlo-Lartey, who served as Ghana’s national security chief before retiring, is seen as a strong candidate to help rebuild relations with Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. According to Emmanuel Kwesi Aning, a prominent Accra-based security consultant, the appointment of Gbevlo-Lartey is a significant step toward rebuilding trust with the military governments of the Sahel countries. The newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which was established by the three countries last July, aims to chart a new course outside the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional organization Ghana is a part of.

Kwesi Aning explained, “This appointment is the first of its kind in ECOWAS, and it signals an attempt to rebuild trust and re-engage with the AES countries.” He further emphasized that Gbevlo-Lartey’s experience and familiarity with African security issues will make him an effective liaison between Ghana and the Sahel states. His credentials will allow him to communicate effectively with the leadership of the AES, which is keen to strengthen cooperation between its members and other African states, particularly in the context of regional security and economic challenges.

In addition to this strategic diplomatic appointment, President Mahama also named key figures from his previous administration to important government positions. Former communication minister Edward Omane Boamah was appointed as Ghana’s new defence minister, while former finance minister Seth Terkper was named as the presidential adviser on the economy. These appointments are part of Mahama’s broader plan to bring experienced leaders back into government to help navigate the country’s difficult economic climate.

By re-engaging with the Sahel alliance and reinforcing key domestic appointments, Mahama is signaling that Ghana is ready to play a more active role in regional diplomacy, even amidst the complexities of its own economic challenges. His government aims to restore stability not only through domestic reforms but by fostering positive relationships with neighboring countries, including those governed by military juntas, to strengthen Ghana’s regional influence.