Regional leaders converge in Accra for high-level security talks

Ghana is set to host a high-level consultative conference on regional cooperation and security, bringing together senior officials, ministers and Heads of State from across the sub-region to address pressing security and humanitarian challenges.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security will take place in Accra from Thursday, January 29 to Friday, January 30, 2026, under the auspices of President John Dramani Mahama.

“The Government of Ghana, under the distinguished auspices of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, will host a High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security,” the statement announced.

The conference will begin with meetings of senior officials and ministers and is expected to culminate in a summit of participating Heads of State and Government from the region. Discussions will focus on key security threats confronting West Africa, including terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Ministry noted that the forum will also provide an opportunity for leaders to reflect on broader humanitarian and governance concerns. “It will provide a platform for the leaders to have consultations on the security and humanitarian situation in the region; review existing initiatives on peace, security and governance; and discuss practical and sustainable frameworks for enhanced regional cooperation,” the release said.

Beyond dialogue, the conference aims to translate discussions into action. Organisers say it is intended to “renew coordinated regional approaches and strengthen collaboration through sustainable platforms for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.”

Ghana’s government sees the gathering as a timely intervention amid growing regional instability and cross-border threats. “The Government of Ghana envisions the Consultative Conference as an important measure to renew regional solidarity, foster collective responsibility and build a resilient and secure region,” the statement stressed.

It added that the ultimate goal is to support “practical interventions aimed at enhancing stability, protecting citizens and promoting sustainable development within the region.”

The Accra conference is expected to reinforce Ghana’s longstanding role as a convening force for dialogue and cooperation in West Africa, as regional leaders seek common solutions to shared security challenges.