North Togu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has made a fervent call to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, urging him to reconsider the mobilization of Ghanaian soldiers for the impending ECOWAS mission in Niger.
This plea comes amidst a regional effort to address the political turmoil that has unfolded in Niger following the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Ablakwa's message resonated through a heartfelt tweet, in which he articulated,
"President Akufo-Addo must immediately stop his mobilization of Ghanaian soldiers for an ECOWAS war in Niger. He must submit his Niger Policy to Parliament for scrutiny. War & Bloodshed cannot be the solution; Diplomacy & Constructive Dialogue is. Africa needs a new leadership."
The call for diplomacy over conflict underscores Ablakwa's belief that war cannot be the answer to the complex issues faced by Niger.
The sentiment has gained traction, with many echoing the concern that peaceful resolutions are essential for long-term stability and the protection of human lives.
The backdrop of Ablakwa's plea was the Extraordinary Session convened by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja, Nigeria, led by ECOWAS Authority Chair, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria.
The meeting was in response to the detention of President Bazoum, which had caused widespread concern and condemnation.
In their communique following the meeting, ECOWAS reaffirmed their strong stance against the detainment of President Bazoum and his government.
The organization vowed to enforce measures to ensure the restoration of constitutional order, including border closure, travel bans, and asset freezes on individuals obstructing peace efforts.
ECOWAS' decision to activate the ECOWAS Standby Force for deployment was a significant development in the pursuit of stability in Niger.
However, voices like Ablakwa stress the importance of prioritizing diplomatic channels to resolve the crisis, emphasizing the need for African leaders to collaborate on peaceful solutions.