Western Sahara: Ghana now recognizes Moroccan autonomy plan
End of Accra’s recognition of the SADR
Ghana has officially changed its position on the Western Sahara issue. On Thursday June 5, 2025, in Rabat, the head of Ghanaian diplomacy, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that his country no longer recognizes the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), which has been supported since 1979, and now supports the Moroccan autonomy plan as a solution to the conflict.
According to the joint statement, Ghana regards the Moroccan initiative as “the only realistic and sustainable basis” for a peaceful settlement.
A diplomatic evolution prepared several months ago
This turnaround had already begun on January 6, 2025, on the eve of the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama, when the Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the suspension of diplomatic relations with the SADR.
This repositioning reflects a desire for closer diplomatic alignment with Morocco, and marks a strategic step in the redefinition of Accra’s alliances on the African stage.
Relaunch of Moroccan-Ghanaian bilateral cooperation
The meeting between Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Nasser Bourita, his Moroccan counterpart, also served to revitalize bilateral relations between the two countries. A memorandum of understanding was signed to strengthen diplomatic coordination and facilitate the mobility of citizens, with the future aim of a visa exemption agreement.
Greater cooperation in agriculture and food safety
Ghana now intends to rely on Moroccan fertilizers to improve production of cocoa, its main export, and reduce its food dependency. This partnership is part of a regional food security strategy, in response to vulnerabilities accentuated by climatic and geopolitical crises.
Ghana has also expressed its support for the Atlantic port access project for landlocked Sahel countries, an initiative launched by King Mohammed VI in late 2023.
Conclusion
With this diplomatic U-turn, Ghana now aligns itself with the Moroccan position, recognizing the autonomy plan as the only viable solution to the Western Sahara conflict. This choice reflects a strategic redefinition of Accra’s diplomatic and economic priorities, as the country aims to strengthen its ties with Morocco, both politically and in key areas such as agriculture, regional mobility and food security, provided that the reforms announced are carried out rigorously and effectively.
