John Dramani Mahama welcomes Russian support in West African terror fight

President John Dramani Mahama has declared Ghana's readiness to work with all international partners, including Russia, to address the escalating threat of terrorism across West Africa. Speaking at the Financial Times Africa Summit in London on October 21, 2026, the President emphasized that the complexity of militant violence in the Sahel region requires a broad and inclusive global response. He noted that regional security can only be guaranteed through enhanced coordination and the pooling of international resources to tackle the roots of instability.

The President’s remarks come at a time when the Sahel region continues to grapple with persistent insurgencies that threaten to spill over into coastal states like Ghana. By specifically mentioning Russia, Mahama indicated a pragmatic approach to security, suggesting that the urgency of the situation necessitates engaging with any global power capable of providing effective counter-terrorism assistance. He stressed that the primary focus of such collaborations must remain on restoring stability and protecting civilian populations from the devastating impacts of extremist violence that has displaced thousands in the sub-region.

During his address in London, President Mahama highlighted that international partnerships must be geared toward strengthening local and regional security frameworks rather than replacing them. He called for a more robust framework for information sharing and operational support to better equip West African nations against the evolving tactics of terrorist groups. The President concluded by reaffirming Ghana's commitment to leading diplomatic efforts that foster a secure environment conducive to economic growth and regional integration across the continent.