Ghana has formally declared its support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative as the sole basis for resolving the longstanding Western Sahara conflict, aligning with a growing number of nations backing Rabat’s position under the United Nations framework.
In a joint statement issued following a meeting between Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita in Rabat on Thursday, Ghana recognized Morocco’s autonomy plan as the only realistic and sustainable solution to the territorial dispute.
The statement also reaffirmed that the UN must remain the sole platform for negotiating a peaceful resolution.
The two nations also agreed to deepen defense cooperation and bolster food security collaboration. Additionally, they committed to establishing a visa exemption agreement to strengthen bilateral ties.
The Western Sahara conflict remains one of Africa’s oldest territorial disputes. Morocco took control of the region after Spain's withdrawal in 1975, encouraging settlement by Moroccan citizens. The following year, the Polisario Front emerged, demanding independence and launching an armed struggle against Moroccan forces. A UN-brokered ceasefire was established in 1991, but the final status of the territory remains unresolved.
Western Sahara, comparable in size to the United Kingdom, is sparsely populated but holds significant phosphate reserves and rich fishing waters. The region has long been central to Morocco’s foreign policy, with Rabat working actively to secure international recognition of its sovereignty over the territory.
Support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal has grown significantly in recent years. The United States recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020, followed by France in July of the previous year.
Similar positions have since been adopted by the United Kingdom and Kenya, further consolidating diplomatic momentum behind the initiative.
Follow the latest news on Google News
