BAMAKO, March 9, (Xinhua): Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday affirmed his commitment to restoring trust between the Alliance of Sahel States and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Addressing the ongoing dispute between the alliance and ECOWAS, the Ghanaian president acknowledged "a breakdown in trust" and ensured that "we will do everything possible to restore this trust."

Mahama made the remarks during a press briefing in Bamako during his visit to Mali, and emphasized that his visit primarily aims to strengthen bilateral relations. "Our discussions focused on bilateral relations, particularly economic exchanges, and the contribution of the Malian diaspora in Ghana to the economies of both countries," he told the press.

The two leaders also discussed reviving the joint cooperation commission and security issues, especially the fight against terrorism. On Jan. 28, 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger jointly declared an intention to withdraw from ECOWAS in response to earlier sanctions imposed by the regional bloc to pressure military juntas in those countries to return to constitutional order.

The three breakaway countries announced the creation of the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States during the institution's first summit in Nigeria on July 6, 2024. Since Jan. 29, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are no longer ECOWAS members but have been granted a grace period to reconsider their decision. Meanwhile, Ghana has strengthened its ties with the Sahel States alliance and expressed its readiness to facilitate the reintegration of these three states into ECOWAS.