Ghana suspended diplomatic ties with SADR, aligning with Morocco to support its Western Sahara autonomy plan, aiming to enhance economic collaboration and attract investments
The Republic of Ghana has officially suspended its diplomatic relations with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), aligning itself with 46 other nations, including 13 African countries, that have either cut or suspended ties with the self-declared state since 2000.
This significant policy shift, announced on January 7, 2025, also signals Ghana’s intent to strengthen its economic and trade ties with Morocco, a key player in Africa’s business landscape.
The decision to suspend diplomatic relations with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic was conveyed through an official document from the Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad.
Ghana’s government cited its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara as the basis for this move, emphasizing Morocco’s “good faith efforts” to resolve the Sahara dispute.
From a business perspective, this alignment with Morocco could open doors to enhanced economic collaboration. Morocco is one of Africa’s most influential economies, with significant investments in banking, insurance, telecommunications, and infrastructure across the continent.
Strengthening ties with Morocco positions Ghana to attract more investments and leverage its strategic partnership for mutual economic growth.
Morocco’s growing influence in regional trade, particularly through its Casablanca Finance City and leadership within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), offers opportunities for Ghana to expand its own trade footprint. By aligning with Morocco’s stance on Western Sahara, Ghana signals its intent to foster deeper partnerships that could yield economic benefits.
The Ghanaian government’s decision to suspend ties with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic also reflects broader shifts in the African Union, where Morocco has actively lobbied for support since rejoining the organization in 2017. This realignment could further strengthen Ghana’s positioning within the African economic bloc.
