A coalition of African Foreign Ministers, National Security Ministers, and Intelligence Chiefs has convened in Accra to deliberate on a new paradigm for regional security cooperation, amid growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel.

The high-level ministerial meeting comes at a time when the Sahel has emerged as the global epicentre of violent extremism, accounting for more than half of terrorism-related deaths worldwide.

Participants at the meeting underscored the urgency of collective action and the need to develop effective, homegrown solutions to protect lives and promote stability across the region.

Discussions focused on strengthening intelligence sharing, enhancing cross-border cooperation, and aligning diplomatic, security and development strategies to address the complex and interconnected nature of contemporary security threats.

An outcome document from the ministerial deliberations is expected to be presented later today to a summit of Heads of State and Government for strategic guidance and implementation.

The ministerial session was formally opened by Ghana’s Vice President, Her Excellency Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who emphasised the importance of coordinated regional responses to transnational security challenges.

President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, is scheduled to chair the Heads of State summit, which will consider the recommendations and chart the way forward.

Participants expressed confidence that enhanced collaboration, under the leadership of President Mahama, would contribute to building a safer, more stable and prosperous Africa.