Speaking at Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College’s Republic Day Lecture on July 5, 2025, Boamah framed regional cooperation as essential for navigating a “volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world.”

Official records cite his emphasis on unified action: “It’s imperative we work together to harness our collective potential and build a brighter future for our sub-region and Africa.” The appeal comes as Ghana mediates crises in neighboring Sahel states, where military coups and jihadist threats have disrupted ECOWAS integration efforts.

Boamah’s push aligns with President Mahama’s foreign policy priorities, which include revitalizing ECOWAS security architectures and promoting cross-border trade. Recent initiatives backed by Ghana include:

The minister’s address notably avoided direct mention of escalating tensions with military-led states but stressed “strategic thinking” to overcome fragmentation. Analysts view this as tacit acknowledgment of ECOWAS’s declining influence after recent withdrawals.

Ghana’s leadership in regional stability—evidenced by hosting ECOWAS headquarters and peacekeeping contributions—faces heightened tests. Boamah’s lecture signals Accra’s intent to champion diplomacy over isolationism despite fractured alliances.

Last week, I served as the Guest of Honour at the Republic Day Lecture at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, where His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo (former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) delivered a thought-provoking keynote address.

The lecture, chaired by Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas focused on “ECOWAS and its Survival: The Impact of the Alliance of the Sahelian States and the Way Forward.”

As we navigate the complexities of our volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world, it’s essential to think strategically about leveraging our collective strengths to promote peace, stability, and economic development in West Africa.

I commend the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College for their partnership with the OneGhana Movement in hosting this lecture series.

Let’s work together to harness our collective potential and build a brighter future for our sub-region and Africa!