**Strengthening Ghana’s Ties with the Alliance of Sahel States: A Visionary Strategy under the Leadership of Larry Gbevlo-Lartey**
This week, Ghana’s diplomatic landscape has taken a significant turn with the appointment of Larry Gbevlo-Lartey as Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States (ESA). This choice, motivated by the desire of the new President, John Dramani Mahama, to revitalize relations between Ghana and its Sahelian neighbors, is part of a complex geopolitical context characterized by growing security challenges, persistent food crises and shared economic aspirations.
### A Figure of Action: Larry Gbevlo-Lartey
Larry Gbevlo-Lartey is no stranger to the African scene. A former senior officer in the Ghanaian army and in charge of counter-terrorism within the African Union, his experience is a valuable asset for carrying out his new mission. However, his approach seems above all pragmatic, putting aside traditional diplomatic protocols to focus on concrete actions. “We want to reaccelerate this cooperation,” he says, not inclined to get lost in fruitless agreements. This way of acting recalls the efforts of other nations on the continent, such as Rwanda, which has been able to take advantage of its regional relations through targeted and effective initiatives.
### A Turbulent Geopolitical Context
The Alliance of Sahel States, which mainly includes Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, is facing notable turbulence, particularly with the official exit of these states from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Such a decision could exacerbate existing tensions in the region, accentuating a climate of mistrust and calling into question cross-border collaboration. In this context, Gbevlo-Lartey’s main mission — the development of the port of Tema as an access platform for landlocked countries — appears as a symbolic and strategic gesture aimed at maintaining a certain economic and diplomatic balance.
### A Vision for the Sahel: Challenges and Opportunities
Establishing common policies on food security or the free movement of goods is essential. As such, it is imperative to consider that the dynamics of relations between Ghana and the Sahel countries must transcend the simple economic sector. The fight against terrorism, for example, is not limited to military actions, but also requires a commitment to socio-economic development to counter the root causes of extremism. According to a UN study, 60% of young Sahelians face precarious employment or underemployment. A strong partnership between Ghana and AES could potentially address these issues through training, education and entrepreneurship programs..
### Another Dimension: The Reintegration of the Helvetian States
The issue of the reintegration of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger into ECOWAS, although not relevant to Gbevlo-Lartey’s immediate objectives, is crucial. ECOWAS, although plagued by governance and security challenges, remains one of the main platforms for regional integration in West Africa. A future scenario where the currently excluded states could consider a return would be key to a collective momentum in the face of security crises. It could also give Ghana a pivotal role, as a mediator or catalyst within the region.
### Conclusion: A New Era of Sahelian Diplomacy
Ghana’s ambitious initiative under the leadership of Larry Gbevlo-Lartey represents a golden opportunity to not only strengthen bilateral relations, but also to reposition Ghana as a thought-proactive leader in the face of the multi-dimensional dynamics of the Sahel. This innovative project can strengthen economic cooperation while promoting a strengthened regional security framework. There is no doubt that Gbevlo-Lartey’s pragmatic and determined approach could breathe new life into the Sahel Alliance, ushering in an era of renewed cooperation.