Ghana has formally expressed its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as the only viable solution to the long-standing Western Sahara dispute, aligning with a growing number of countries that back Rabat’s position.
In a joint statement released after bilateral talks in Rabat between Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, Ghana described the plan as “the only realistic and sustainable basis” for a mutually acceptable resolution to the conflict, under the exclusive framework of the United Nations.
The Western Sahara dispute has persisted for decades, with Morocco claiming the territory as its own, while the Algeria-backed Polisario Front seeks full independence.
Ghana’s announcement follows similar declarations in recent days by Kenya and the United Kingdom, signaling a wider diplomatic shift in favor of Morocco’s proposal, which offers limited autonomy for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty.
Beyond diplomatic alignment, the two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation in defense and are working towards establishing a visa-free regime to ease movement between both nations.
As part of broader economic collaboration, Ghana and Morocco will partner to enhance food security. Ghana will benefit from Morocco’s fertiliser industry, particularly through OCP Group, to boost cocoa farming and reduce reliance on food imports, which currently cost the West African nation around $3 billion annually.
Ablakwa also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline project, noting it will help improve regional trade and provide landlocked Sahel countries with access to global markets via the Atlantic Ocean.
Foreign Minister Bourita described Ghana’s position as a positive step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation and regional stability.
The Moroccan autonomy initiative has gained international momentum in recent years, especially after the United States recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020, a move followed by France in 2023.
