Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa has called for an African-led response to terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel, backed by Russia.
Mr Ablakwa made the proposal during an official three-day visit to Russia, where he held bilateral discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Speaking at a press briefing after the talks, he said Ghana appreciated Russia’s cooperation and support as the country works to confront the threat of violent extremism affecting the Sahel Region.
The minister stressed that the response should be led by African countries, with support from Russia, rather than being imposed from outside the continent. He said such an approach was needed to tackle terrorism and violent extremism in the region.
Mr Ablakwa travelled to Russia following an invitation from the country’s Foreign Minister, H.E. Sergey Lavrov. The visit is intended to identify wider areas of strategic cooperation between Ghana and Russia.
On the first day of the trip, the two countries signed a Visa Waiver Agreement covering holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports. The agreement marks the first such arrangement since Ghana and Russia established formal bilateral relations in 1958.
The minister said discussions would continue on extending travel privileges to other groups, as the two governments seek to strengthen commercial and personal links.
“We shall continue with negotiations for enhanced privileges for all categories of travellers as we bolster trade, investments and people to people exchanges.”
The agreement is part of a broader programme of engagement during Mr Ablakwa’s visit, with trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges among the areas identified for further development.
During his bilateral talks with Mr Lavrov, Mr Ablakwa also expressed Ghana’s appreciation for Russia’s position on a Ghana-led resolution at the United Nations. The resolution declared the transatlantic enslavement and racialised chattel to be the gravest crime against humanity.
“During our bilateral talks, I conveyed Ghana’s profound appreciation to Russia for supporting and voting for the Ghana-led landmark UN resolution declaring the transatlantic enslavement and racialised chattel as the gravest crime against humanity.”
The foreign minister said the official visit would help establish a wider framework for cooperation between the two nations.
“This official visit will map out broader areas of strategic cooperation between Ghana and Russia,” he wrote.
Ghana’s appeal comes as the country continues to focus on the security impact of terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel Region. Mr Ablakwa’s position is that African countries should shape the main strategy for dealing with those threats, while drawing on Russian cooperation and support.
The visit combines security discussions with diplomatic and economic initiatives, including the new visa arrangement and continuing negotiations aimed at providing enhanced privileges for all categories of travellers.
