Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a lawyer and convenor of the ‘Fix the Country Movement,’ has described the Nana Akufo-Addo administration’s decision to withdraw Ghana’s diplomatic recognition of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic as one of the most perplexing moves in the country’s diplomatic history, disrupting six decades of established policy.
He expressed frustration, noting that nearly a week has passed without any clarification, condemnation, or reversal from the new NDC-Mahama-led government.
Barker-Vormawor questioned whether this decision was reviewed and approved by the Transition Team, and how the NDC could have been involved in such a controversial action just a day before taking office, emphasizing the need for answers.
“Now, for me, this action amounts to pressing the diplomatic self-destruct button in the most bizarre circumstances. I am also concerned that it raises serious concerns on several grounds: legal, democratic, diplomatic, and historical.
“The decision flies against some key constitutional values expressed under Articles 40, 73-75. [The] government’s international dealings are constitutionally bound to respect the Charter of the African Union”.
Oliver Barker-Vormawor
Barker-Vormawor further highlighted that while foreign policy decisions fall under the Executive, the Constitution requires checks through consultations with Parliament or the Council of State.
As such, he indicated that this unilateral move bypassed these safeguards, undermining democratic accountability.
He further argued that the timing of Akufo-Addo’s decision made a day before leaving office, appears to be an act of bad faith.
According to him, this is likely intended to constrain the incoming government from easily reversing it without facing major diplomatic repercussions.
Barker-Vormawor criticized the lack of consultation in the decision to withdraw recognition of the SADR, noting that such significant diplomatic moves require national debate and input from various stakeholders.
He lamented the absence of public discussion, parliamentary involvement, or engagement with civil society and academia, calling it a blatant disregard for democratic principles—a hallmark of Akufo-Addo’s governance.
He also found it puzzling that just months prior, in March 2024, Akufo-Addo stood with President Ramaphosa, affirming support for Western Sahara’s self-determination.
This abrupt reversal, Barker-Vormawor argued, brought unnecessary disgrace to Ghana.
He pointed out that Akufo-Addo’s lack of transparency in making this decision denied Ghanaians a say in shaping a crucial aspect of the nation’s foreign policy. “Mind you, a decision, tied to Ghana’s historical commitment to anti-colonial struggles, should have been subject to broad public scrutiny”.
Ghana’s Credibility at Risk Over SADR Withdrawal
Furthermore, Oliver Barker-Vormawor emphasized that Ghana’s credibility is at risk, as the country has long championed Pan-Africanism and anti-colonial solidarity.
According to him, recognizing the SADR reflects Ghana’s commitment to self-determination, a principle rooted in Kwame Nkrumah’s vision.
As such, he pointed out that abruptly reversing this stance undermines that legacy and damages Ghana’s reputation as a consistent voice in African diplomacy.
Barker-Vormawor further noted that this move jeopardizes solidarity within the African Union, which recognizes the SADR.
He indicated that Ghana’s unilateral decision appears to support Morocco’s claims over Western Sahara, potentially putting the country at odds with the AU’s collective position and straining relations with key allies.
“Additionally, there are implications for regional stability. Western Sahara remains a contested territory with ongoing tensions between Morocco, Algeria, the AU, and the Polisario Front. By taking sides in this dispute, Ghana risks exacerbating these tensions, undermining its traditional role as a mediator and peacebuilder in Africa.
“Any serious observer is unfortunately bound to see this decision as no more than a betrayal of Ghana’s anti-colonial legacy. Ghana’s recognition of the SADR was rooted in its commitment to supporting liberation movements and the decolonization of Africa. And so abruptly reversing this without a clear justification is not only inconsistent with Ghana’s history but also diminishes our moral authority on the global stage”.
Oliver Barker-Vormawor
Oliver Barker-Vormawor also highlighted that Ghana has long supported the right to self-determination, backing liberation struggles in South Africa, Namibia, and beyond.
Reversing recognition of the SADR, he maintained, contradicts this stance, weakening Ghana’s credibility as a defender of oppressed peoples and eroding trust among allies.
He also pointed out the troubling absence of any articulated national interest in this decision.
There has been no clear explanation of how withdrawing recognition of the SADR benefits Ghana strategically, economically, or diplomatically, making the move appear arbitrary or influenced by external pressures.
Barker-Vormawor argued that the decision lacks legal basis, democratic legitimacy, and strategic foresight, undermining Ghana’s moral leadership and placing the nation on the wrong side of history. “John Dramani Mahama must immediately reverse this decision without delay”.
He clarified that he is a strong supporter of Morocco, having spent six formative years of his education there.
Despite this, he emphasized that his long-standing friendship with Morocco does not influence his stance on the issue. “So this is not out of spite or disregard for Morocco’s history. It is a regard for Ghanaian history”.
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