The West African regional bloc announced the formation of a standby force while working on alternative diplomatic solutions to the Niger problem.

ECOWAS had initially given the junta a week to return to constitutional governance or face military action. Following the deadline, the regional alliance agreed to form a military intervention standby force.

In addition, Kennedy Agyapong, a New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant, has stated his support for the proposed military intervention.

Mr Agyapong, a member of the Ecowas Parliament, said in an interview on TV3’s New Day on Wednesday, August 16, that the action by a joint West African military will serve as a deterrent to other states in the sub-region.

“As Ecowas countries, we have an obligation that you cannot avoid,” he remarked.

According to him, the action “should serve as a deterrent because coups d’etat are becoming rampant in ECOWAS, so we should use Niger as a deterrent and say anybody who tries again, ECOWAS will come after them, and this is not the first time.”

He praised Ghana’s soldier contribution to the group, adding the country remained a vital member of ECOWAS.

“In fact, Ghana is the second most important country in West Africa.” I’ve previously served as an ECOWAS member [of Parliament], therefore it’s a requirement.”

He emphasised that coups should not be tolerated in the sub-region since there are just too many of them.

“If we make a mistake and allow coups d’etat all over West Africa, tomorrow it will be me and you, and the first thing is that the two of us will go to jail first before anybody,” he informed Roland Walker, the host.

As a possible solution to the Niger problem, the West African sub-regional body has encouraged member states to form a stand-by force.