The Republic of Ghana has reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the only realistic, lasting, and sustainable solution to the longstanding artificial conflict in Western Sahara.
During his first official visit to Morocco since his appointment, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, reiterated his country’s position, aligning with Morocco’s proposal for autonomy as a framework for a mutually acceptable resolution. His remarks came following a meeting held in Rabat with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, on Thursday.
According to Moroccan Ambassador to Malawi, Abdelkader Naji, This visit also follows a significant diplomatic shift by Accra earlier this year. On 7 January 2025, Ghana formally suspended diplomatic relations with the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), a move initiated by Ablakwa’s predecessor.
The joint communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Rabat meeting underlined Ghana’s recognition of the Autonomy Plan as “the only realistic and lasting basis” for resolving the Sahara issue. Ghana also welcomed the efforts of the United Nations in seeking a pragmatic and durable solution within the exclusive framework of international diplomacy.
Ablakwa’s statement was hailed as a testament to the consistency of Ghana’s foreign policy on the matter. His country’s stance is seen as part of a broader regional trend across Africa, particularly among English-speaking nations and within the Commonwealth, to support Morocco’s approach to the dispute.
Since 2000, 46 countries, including 13 from Africa, have either suspended or severed relations with the SADR. Ghana’s alignment is considered part of this evolving diplomatic landscape, driven by growing support for Morocco’s proposal across various African regional blocs.
Ghana, a founding member of the Commonwealth and a key member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), joins a majority of ECOWAS states in distancing themselves from the SADR. Out of the 12 ECOWAS member states, 11 do not recognise the entity, and 9 have opened Consulates General in the southern provinces of Morocco.
The visit by Ghana’s Foreign Minister came just 10 days after a similar trip to Morocco by Kenya’s Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi. Kenya, also a Commonwealth country, reaffirmed its support for the Autonomy Plan during that visit.
Observers note that Ghana’s latest declaration reflects growing support for Morocco’s sovereignty initiative within African diplomatic circles, particularly among countries with shared values in regional cooperation and stability.
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