Sampson Kwarkye | ISS Africa

Constitutional and legal reforms are needed to address divisions rooted in the over-centralisation of power and resources.

Corruption was a cause of Liberia’s 14-year civil war and also triggered the current political crisis that threatens the country’s stability.

Ghana’s constitution allows an excessively powerful presidency to influence all levels of administration – it must be reformed.

Divisions over the latest draft constitution, which extends executive power and term limits, necessitate ECOWAS’ involvement.

Lack of funding and sharp political divisions have derailed the implementation of ECOWAS’ counter-terrorism plan.

Ahead of the December 2024 elections, heightened mistrust in state institutions and unresolved tensions threaten to disrupt the polls.

Political divisions over limiting presidential power and terms in office have brought the process to a standstill.

Despite pre-election rhetoric, long-standing principles and regional realities will likely guide international relations.

A better understanding of how violent extremism expands could help avoid costly mistakes.

Following the same counter-terrorism strategy in other parts of West Africa could see insecurity worsening in littoral states.

After a disputed election, bitter relations between political parties and a hung Parliament will test governance processes.

The continued cross-border smuggling raises questions about the strategy’s effectiveness and the real reasons behind it.