Gov't endorses Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara

The government announced on Thursday that it supports Morocco's autonomy plan. This plan is seen as the only way to resolve the Western Sahara dispute. It aligns with many Western, African, and Arab countries backing Rabat's position.

The long-standing conflict involves Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front. Morocco claims the desert territory as its own, while Polisario seeks independence.

Ghana views the autonomy plan as a realistic solution. This was stated after talks between Ghana's foreign minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita in Rabat.

The UN should remain the main platform for resolving this issue, according to their joint statement. This position follows similar statements from Kenya and the UK, indicating a shift in diplomatic support for Morocco.

Ghana and Morocco also agreed to enhance defense cooperation. They will work on a visa waiver deal to facilitate travel between the two nations.

Morocco is home to OCP, a major fertiliser and phosphates company. The two countries agreed to collaborate on food security initiatives.

Moroccan fertilisers will aid Ghana in developing cocoa farming. This will help reduce Ghana's $3 billion annual food import bill, said Okudzeto Ablakwa.

Ghana supports Morocco’s initiative to help landlocked Sahel states access global trade through Nigeria. Minister Bourita noted that Ghana's stance on the conflict promotes bilateral cooperation.

Since 2020, when the U.S. recognized Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, support for this autonomy plan has increased. France followed suit last July.

Reporting by Ahmed Eljechtimi; Editing by Leslie Adler and Alistair Bell.