President Nana Akufo-Addo will on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, convene a consultative meeting with Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) members to deliberate on measures to resolve the political turmoil of Mali.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway in an interaction with the media intimated that, President Akufo-Addo expectation is to reach an amiable consensus with the objective in inhibiting an increase of the ensuing tensions in Mali.
“The consultative meeting being convened by the chair of the authority of Heads of States and Government on the political situation in Mali on September 15, 2020, at Peduase is part of the mediation efforts of ECOWAS to return Mali to constitutional rule and to prevent them from deteriorating further.”
As part of the meeting with the Head of States from various countries, the public has been informed of road closure in some key areas.
The Director of Operations of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), Supt. Dr. Sasu Mensah disclosed that some roads within the capital will be closed for the smooth passage for the heads of states.
He cautioned the general public to adhere to traffic regulations as the country hosts the diplomats.
“Motorist should park on the right when they see the convoy approaching. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted.”
He further pleaded with the general public to pay heed to the announcement and use alternatives routes.
Roads which will be closed to public commute for the stipulated duration includes; The Jubilee Lounge (Kotoka International Airport) to the Liberation road at Opeibea, Airport by-pass through the Liberation road, Kempinski Hotel to National Theatre on the Independence Avenue, the Liberation road through to N4 to Peduase.
Also the Liberation road from 37 through Obasanjo Street to Tang Palace Hotel will be closed as well as the Independence Avenue from National theatre to Arko -Adjei.
Heads of States at the 57th summit of the ECOWAS held on September 7, 2020, in Niger, pledged their support and determination to ensure that constitutional order is quickly restored in the country with a political transition led by a civilian president and prime minister for 12 months.
The authority also directed that the head of the transitional government and prime Minister be appointed no later than September 15, 2020.
Mali impasse
President Keïta was overthrown on 18 August following mass protests against his rule over corruption, the mismanagement of the economy and a dispute over legislative elections.
The coup sparked international condemnation, but it was welcomed by many Malians.
Mr. Keïta was detained by the military, but later freed.
The opposition coalition which led mass protests in Mali ahead of last month’s coup has rejected a transition charter.
On Saturday, the country’s military leadership agreed to establish an 18-month interim government until an election could take place. It followed three days of talks with opposition and civil society groups.
But the M5-RFP group, which took part in the negotiations, said the resulting document was an attempt by military leaders to “grab and confiscate power”.
It also said the document did not take into account what it said was a majority vote for a civilian interim leader, and “did not reflect the views and decisions of the Malian people”.
Meanwhile, the ousted former president left the country last week. The 75-year-old former leader flew to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 5 September for medical treatment, after suffering a minor stroke, military officials said.
His former chief of staff said he could be away for up to 15 days.
