Ghana has officially ended its support for the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) in Western Sahara, instead backing Morocco’s autonomy plan for the disputed territory. This decision was announced on Thursday following a meeting between Ghana’s Foreign Minister and his Moroccan counterpart. Ghana had supported the SADR, established by the Polisario Front, since 1979.
The Moroccan autonomy plan, modeled after Spain’s autonomous regions such as the Basque Country or Catalonia, aims to grant Western Sahara a degree of self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty. However, the plan has not been accepted by the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which controls approximately 30% of the territory, with the remainder largely under Moroccan control.
The Western Sahara conflict has its roots in the end of Spanish colonial rule in 1975. The Polisario Front initiated an insurgency against Spanish forces and later waged a 16-year war of independence against Morocco and Mauritania. Despite the SADR gaining recognition from numerous countries, many have since withdrawn or “frozen” their support. Ghana’s decision to back Morocco’s autonomy plan aligns with a growing trend of countries reevaluating their stance on the conflict.
The shift in Ghana’s position is significant, given its decades-long support for the SADR. As more countries consider Morocco’s autonomy plan, the international community remains divided on the issue. The path forward for resolving the conflict remains uncertain, particularly without the Polisario Front’s acceptance of Morocco’s proposal. Ghana’s decision marks another step in the evolving dynamics of the Western Sahara conflict.
Ghana and Morocco have a long-standing relationship built on shared historical experiences, principles, and values. Both countries have been key supporters of the non-aligned movement since 1961 and played crucial roles in the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU). Their bond dates back to the leadership of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and Morocco’s King Mohammed V, who were instrumental in shaping African unity.
Ghana and Morocco re-established diplomatic ties during the reign of King Mohammed VI and Ghana’s President John Agyekum Kufuor. Ghana reopened its embassy in Rabat, which had been closed since the late 1970s. Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, and Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, discussed reviving cooperation mechanisms, including the Joint Commission, which hasn’t met since 2015. They also signed a memorandum of understanding on political consultations to strengthen diplomatic coordination.
Ghana imports goods worth around $60 million from Morocco annually, while its exports average $3 million. Both countries aim to strengthen economic ties, with Morocco’s King Mohammed VI’s visit to Ghana in 2017 marking a significant milestone. They are exploring ways to link their business communities and facilitate economic growth. Morocco’s growing economy, strategic location, and business-friendly environment make it an attractive partner for Ghana.
Ghana’s recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) in 1979 strained relations with Morocco. However, Ghana has since shifted its stance, with recent agreements welcoming Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara. Morocco’s aeronautical industry, digital sector, and renewable energy initiatives offer opportunities for collaboration. With strengthened diplomatic ties and growing economic cooperation, Ghana and Morocco are poised to deepen their bilateral relationship.