Ghana has made a notable diplomatic move by suspending its relations with the polisario front. This announcement was made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, marking a shift in Ghana's foreign policy which had, up until now, recognized the presumed sahrawi arab democratic republic (sadr) since 1979.
This decision appears to underscore Ghana's endorsement of Morocco's Autonomy Plan for Sahara, which Ghanaian officials have described as a constructive approach to resolving the protracted conflict. Ghana's announcement has been formally communicated to the United Nations, the African Union, and the Moroccan government. This decision comes in the context of the momentum given by the King of Morocco to resolve the Sahara issue.
Economic considerations also seem to play a role in this decision. In recent years, Ghana and Morocco have fostered stronger economic ties, exemplified by a double taxation agreement signed in January 2023. Trade between the two nations has flourished, with Moroccan exports to Ghana increasing annually by 14% on average over the past two decades, involving goods like raw sugar and processed fish. Conversely, Ghana exports tropical fruits, cocoa products, and bran to Morocco.
This diplomatic shift coincides with the inauguration of Ghana's new president, John Dramani Mahama, signaling a new chapter in Ghana-Morocco relations. The suspension of ties with the polisario front is anticipated to bolster trade and investment between Ghana and Morocco.
Ghana joins a growing list of nations – 46 in total since the year 2000, including 13 from Africa that have withdrawn or suspended their recognition of the polisario front. This move highlights the changing geopolitical dynamics in the region and represents a setback for the polisario's diplomatic efforts.
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