By Alex Ababio |Opinion & Analysis
When Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama returned to power in 2025, many citizens hoped for strong economic recovery and peace. But few expected one of his boldest moves: a shift in foreign policy away from traditional Western allies like the United States and the European Union, toward Russia and Sahel countries like Burkina Faso and Mali. This move has drawn praise from Pan-Africanists and strong warnings from economists and security analysts.
So, is Ghana making a smart move by exploring new partnerships, or walking into a diplomatic storm? Let’s look at the history, compare with other African nations, and break down the risks and benefits.
1. A Brief History of Ghana’s Foreign Policy
Ghana has long had a reputation as a peaceful, democratic, and Western-aligned country. Under Dr. Kwame Nkrumah (1957–1966), Ghana leaned toward the Soviet Union and supported African liberation movements. But after his overthrow, governments like those of Kofi Abrefa Busia (1969–1972) and Jerry John Rawlings (1981–2001) moved closer to the West. Rawlings, for example, accepted structural adjustment programs from the World Bank and IMF, which tied Ghana’s economy to Western financial systems.
Under President John Agyekum Kufuor (2001–2009), Ghana became a darling of Western donors. He strengthened ties with the U.S. through programs like the Millennium Challenge Corporation. President Atta Mills (2009–2012) kept a balanced approach but leaned slightly East. Mahama’s first term (2012–2016) followed that tone, but this new second term in 2025 shows a clear shift Eastward.
2. What Has Changed?
President Mahama has praised Russia as a “reliable partner” and openly supported military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—all countries that have cut ties with France and moved closer to Russia’s Wagner Group for security.
In a March 2025 press briefing, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister stated: “We will no longer be dictated to by Western powers who only show up during elections. We will choose our friends based on mutual respect and interests.”
This is not a Ghana-only trend. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in 2023 and expelled French troops.
3. Benefits of the Shift
Pan-African Unity: Aligning with neighbors like Burkina Faso could strengthen regional cooperation, trade, and cultural ties.
Diversified Partners: Moving closer to Russia and China offers Ghana more choices in terms of military support, energy cooperation, and technology.
Political Independence: Ghana may no longer be tied to harsh conditions from Western donors like the IMF and World Bank.
Example: In 2024, Russia promised military training and grain deals to Burkina Faso and Mali—Ghana could benefit from similar packages.
4. The Risks Ghana Faces
While the benefits look tempting, the dangers are real:
a. Security Fragility
Ghana borders Burkina Faso, which is battling terrorist groups.
Western countries like the U.S. and France have better intelligence tools and have helped Ghana with training.
Risk: Cutting ties with Western security partners could leave Ghana more exposed to cross-border terrorism.
Expert Opinion: Dr. Kwesi Aning of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre warned in a 2023 interview with Daily Graphic: “The jihadist threat is real. Ghana needs more—not fewer—friends with counterterrorism expertise.”
b. Economic Fallout
Ghana’s GDP relies on exports to the EU and the U.S. (cocoa, gold, oil)
The country also benefits from foreign direct investment (FDI) and international donor funding.
Statistic: According to the Bank of Ghana, over 40% of Ghana’s aid and concessional loans come from Western institutions.
Risk: Aligning with countries under sanctions (like Russia and Mali) could make Ghana a target of secondary sanctions or make it less attractive to investors.
c. Global Image
Ghana has been known as a peaceful democracy with free speech.
Aligning with authoritarian states or military juntas may damage Ghana’s international brand.
5. Comparing with Other African Countries
Uganda: President Museveni has also leaned East, accepting Chinese infrastructure deals and Russian arms—but Uganda has faced criticism for poor human rights.
South Africa: A BRICS member, South Africa trades with both the West and the East. But even it has faced pressure—especially after hosting Russian warships.
Kenya: Maintains a balanced approach. It partners with the U.S. on security but also welcomes Chinese investment.
Lesson: Ghana could follow Kenya’s “smart non-alignment” model, which avoids picking sides but focuses on strategic benefits.
6. Public Opinion: Divided Views
Some Ghanaians, especially the youth, support the shift. They see Western powers as hypocritical—offering loans with strings while exploiting Africa’s resources. Others fear that aligning with unstable regimes and authoritarian states could ruin Ghana’s future.
A 2024 Afrobarometer survey showed:
53% of Ghanaians prefer ties with the West
31% support stronger links with Russia and China
16% are unsure or neutral
7. Final Thoughts: What Should Ghana Do?
Ghana should not blindly follow the West or East. Instead:
Choose partners based on national interest, not ideology
Keep diplomatic bridges open to both Western and Eastern powers
Prioritize security, economic stability, and democracy above external pressure
As witty Ghanaian columnist Kwame Karikari once wrote in The Mirror, “When two elephants fight, the grass suffers. But if the grass is wise, it learns to dance between the elephants’ legs.”
Ghana must now dance wisely—before it gets crushed.
Sources:
Bank of Ghana Reports (2024)
Daily Graphic interviews and editorials (2023–2025)
Afrobarometer (2024 survey results)
Kofi Annan Peacekeeping Training Centre publications
Public statements from Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Africa Report and Al Jazeera Africa (2023–2025)