IMANI Africa, has issued a strategic policy brief calling on President John Dramani Mahama to prioritize democratic governance and political stability in West Africa as the “imperative cornerstone” of Ghana’s foreign policy.
The think tank’s advocacy comes at a critical juncture, as the sub-region faces a “democratic recession” characterized by recent coups in Guinea-Bissau and Mali, along with the withdrawal of Sahelian states from ECOWAS – developments that it warned pose a direct threat to Ghana’s internal security and economic identity.
“President Mahama’s early diplomatic travels following his 2024 election victory signalled Ghana’s intent to strengthen ties across West Africa. His visits to neighbouring states and the presence of regional leaders at his inauguration reflected goodwill and recognition of Ghana’s democratic credentials.
“Yet, within a year, the sub-region has witnessed escalating instability: coups, electoral manipulation, insurgent violence, and withdrawals from regional institutions. These developments pose direct risks to security, economic growth, and democratic identity in Ghana and the wider sub-region”
IMANI Africa
IMANI framed Ghana’s leadership not merely as a matter of prestige, but as a necessary shield against the “outward radiation” of regional insecurity.
With President Mahama recently endorsed by ECOWAS heads of state for the Chairmanship of the African Union (AU), the organisation argued that the President now possesses a unique continental platform to champion reforms that incentivize the rule of law and penalize unconstitutional changes of government.
The report pointed to a disturbing trend of structural decay across the sub-region, where weak institutions and governance deficits have created fertile ground for both military takeovers and insurgent violence.
The policy center noted that the collapse of constitutional order in neighbouring states often forces refugees into Ghana – as seen with thousands seeking safety from Côte d’Ivoire – and disrupts vital supply chains, such as the fuel blockades currently affecting the Malian capital.
“West Africa is experiencing a democratic recession. Sahelian states have completed their exit from ECOWAS and initiated withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, undermining collective mechanisms for accountability. These crises highlight the fragility of governance and security within the sub-region”
IMANI Africa
For IMANI, Ghana’s democratic resilience cannot be treated as an isolated success, with Cudjoe warning that “nobody is safe” when regional institutions like ECOWAS struggle to move beyond mere communiqués to effective enforcement.
The Mahama administration was urged to leverage Ghana’s democratic credentials to mobilize international support for a more robust regional security architecture.
Mediation Hub and Presidential Responsibility
To counter the prevailing instability, IMANI proposed that Accra be positioned as a primary hub for preventive diplomacy and mediation – suggesting that the Mahama administration should offer platforms for dialogue before local grievances escalate into full-scale political crises.
“To safeguard Ghana’s interests and promote regional stability, democratic governance and political stability must be the cornerstone of Ghana’s foreign policy” IMANI argued, adding that this “Accra Initiative” would ideally involve expanded intelligence-sharing and joint border patrols to halt the southward spread of jihadist contagion toward the Atlantic coast.
The organisation argued that trade and aid diplomacy should also be recalibrated to reward democratic reforms among member states. By aligning economic incentives with governance standards, Ghana can lead a normative shift that makes authoritarianism an increasingly unviable path for regional leaders.
The brief further noted that President Mahama’s recent honorific title of “Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source” and his upcoming AU Chairmanship represent a significant “diplomatic capital” that must be spent on institutional reform.
The President was reminded that these honours – conferred in recognition of his drive toward multilateralism and justice – must now be applied to the fragmented ECOWAS bloc.
“Ghana’s prosperity and stability are inseparable from the fate of its neighbours. While cordial relations matter, sustainable peace and development in West Africa depend on democratic systems, strong institutions, and respect for the rule of law”
IMANI Africa
As President Mahama prepares to take the helm of the African Union, IMANI’s assessment serves as a reminder that the “Mahama Reset” must extend beyond Ghana’s borders.
IMANI Africa concluded that while Ghana shields itself from spillover insecurity, it must also take up the mantle of a normative leader, ensuring that West Africa’s future is defined by stability rather than upheaval.
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