In a significant shift in foreign policy, Ghana has formally expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy plan regarding Western Sahara, describing it as “the only realistic and sustainable basis” for resolving the long-standing conflict. The announcement followed a high-level diplomatic meeting on Thursday between Ghana’s Foreign Minister and Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita.
This development marks a major departure from Ghana’s previous stance. Since 1979, Accra had recognized and supported the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), aligning itself with the aspirations of the Polisario Front. However, this position began to change in early 2024. On January 6 — just one day before President John Dramani Mahama was sworn into office — Ghana’s Foreign Ministry announced a suspension of diplomatic relations with the SADR, signaling the beginning of a new strategic alignment.
The renewed Ghana-Morocco engagement also saw the two nations commit to revitalizing and expanding their bilateral cooperation. A memorandum of understanding was signed to facilitate closer diplomatic coordination and promote regular consultations between their respective foreign ministries. In addition, both parties initiated discussions aimed at easing travel between the two countries, with the long-term objective of establishing a visa-free travel regime.
Economic cooperation, particularly in the agricultural sector, featured prominently in the talks. Ghana’s Foreign Minister emphasized the country’s interest in importing Moroccan fertilizers to support cocoa production — a key pillar of the Ghanaian economy. The initiative is intended to boost domestic agricultural output and reduce Ghana’s dependency on imported food, enhancing national food security.
On the regional front, Ghana expressed strong backing for Morocco’s Atlantic port initiative, which aims to provide sea access to landlocked Sahel countries. This infrastructure project, spearheaded by King Mohammed VI in late 2023, is expected to play a transformative role in regional trade and connectivity by linking West African economies to international maritime routes.
Ghana’s policy reorientation and strengthened engagement with Morocco underscore a broader strategic shift, reflecting changing geopolitical interests and a desire to deepen partnerships that support both national development and regional stability.