Accra roads to be closed ahead of crucial ECOWAS meeting on Mali

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Major roads in Ghana’s capital city, Accra will be closed on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, as ECOWAS race to resolve Mali’s political turmoil.

The meeting among ECOWAS member states will be spearheaded by its chairman President Akufo-Addo.

Officials said at a media briefing in Accra that the Ghanaian leader hopes to reach a consensus that seeks to prevent an escalation of the tensions in Mali.

Find below the list of roads to be closed to traffic ahead of the meeting at Peduase Lodge;

The Jubilee Lounge (Kotoka International Airport) to the Liberation road at Opeibea, Airport by-pass through the Liberation road

Kempinski Hotel to National Theatre on the Independence Avenue, the Liberation road through to N4 to Peduase.

Liberation road from 37 through Obasanjo Street to Tang Palace Hotel.

Independence Avenue from National theatre to Arko -Adjei.

Background

President Keïta was overthrown on August 18, 2020, following mass protests against his rule over corruption, the mismanagement of the economy, and a dispute over legislative elections.

The coup sparked international condemnation, but it was welcomed by many Malians.

Mr. Keïta was detained by the military but later freed.

This was the fourth coup in the West African state since it gained independence from France in 1960.

A previous coup in 2012 led to militant Islamists exploiting the instability to seize territory in northern Mali. French troops helped regain territory, but attacks continue.

The coup leaders earlier promised to respect international agreements on fighting jihadists.

Thousands of French, African, and UN troops are based in the country to tackle the militants.

At the 57th ordinary summit of the ECOWAS authority which was held on September 7, 2020, in Niger, Heads of States reaffirmed their determination to ensure that constitutional order is quickly restored in the country with a political transition led by a civilian president and prime minister for 12 months.

The authority also directed that the head of the transitional government and prime Minister be appointed no later than September 15, 2020.

Source: Daily Mail GH