IN a landmark diplomatic shift, Ghana has officially severed ties with the Polisario Front, ending its recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) after 46 years. The move aligns Ghana with Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara, first proposed in 2007.
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the decision in an official statement, saying it had formally notified Morocco, the African Union, and the United Nations.
Blow to Polisario diplomacy
This decision is another setback for the Polisario Front, which has seen 46 countries, including 13 African nations, withdraw recognition of SADR since 2000. The most recent was Panama.
Ghana’s shift is linked to broader security and diplomatic considerations. Its proximity to Burkina Faso—a hotspot for terrorist activity in the Sahel—has influenced its decision to stop supporting the Polisario Front, seen as an obstacle to regional stability.
Strengthening Morocco-Ghana ties
The diplomatic shift comes as Ghana strengthens trade and investment ties with Morocco. The announcement also coincides with the inauguration of Ghana’s new president, John Dramani Mahama, signalling a new foreign policy direction.
Ghana reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s ‘good faith efforts’ to find a mutually acceptable resolution to the Western Sahara issue. With this move, Ghana is expected to deepen cooperation with Rabat in key areas such as trade, security, and infrastructure development.
