President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stated that the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, is willing to welcome the three breakaway member states back into the Community. 'We have to continue to work at it, to make sure that at the end of the day, we find some common ground that will allow them to return to the bloc,' he emphasised. In an interview with France 24, monitored by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the President stated that Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso-founding members of ECOWAS-were vital to the region, emphasising, 'We cannot just wash our hands off them.' The dissident countries, all currently under military leadership following a series of coups, announced last year their intention to leave the bloc, which has been pressing them to return to democratic governance. In a bid to strengthen their position, they subsequently declared the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States, a move that surprised the Community amid ongoing discussions aimed at facilitating their return. The military leade rs from the three nations announced their agreement to establish a joint investment bank and a stabilization fund, as well as to pool their resources for projects in critical sectors like mining, energy, and agriculture. They also agreed to develop common infrastructure to facilitate the free movement of citizens among the three countries. President Akufo-Addo described the situation as worrying, given its implications for democratic growth in the region. He also expressed concern about the ongoing incarceration of Niger's ousted President, Mohamed Bazoum, who was overthrown by a military junta in July 2023. 'It is completely unacceptable that a democratically elected leader like Bazoum should be treated in a manner in which he has been treated. 'So far as I am concerned, his unconditional freedom is very much on the table, and we will continue to agitate for his release,' he noted. Regarding the escalating terrorist insurgency and insecurity in the Sahelian region, the President called for a lasting so lution to ensure the safety of citizens. Source: Ghana News Agency