ECOWAS launches 50th anniversary
Accra, Ghana (PANA) - The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Tuesday launched its 50th anniversary celebrations in Accra as it seeks to strengthen regional bonds, unity and solidarity in the face of security and economic challenges while three countries ruled by the military – Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger - have broken away to form the Alliance of Sahel States.
The launch, hosted by Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama, signifies the commencement of a year-long celebration of commemorative activities across member states aimed at highlighting its accomplishments in promoting regional integration, peace, and development over the period.
In his speech, President Mahama stressed that unity and solidarity should be the guide on how the sub-regional group manages insecurity and diversity among members as it looks up to its century celebration.
He called for ECOWAS to be positioned not only as a political and economic bloc but as a diplomatic anchor for the continent, a model of integration dialogue and peaceful co-existence.
“ECOWAS must remain a forum for listening, a space for healing, a home for visionary African-led solidarity and diplomacy.”
President Mahama reaffirmed the unwavering commitment to the ECOWAS mission and to the values of dialogue, peace and partnerships that sustain it.
The President emphasised that diplomacy is not simply about managing conflicts or disputes between nations; rather, it is about fostering mutual respect, building trust, and advancing shared interests.
“Diplomacy is about fostering mutual respect and advancing our common interests.”
Diplomacy’s true essence lies in creating an environment where nations can work together towards common goals, whether those are related to security, trade, development, or cultural exchange, he stressed.
Diplomacy should go beyond political negotiations, he added, saying "our commitment to integration and diplomacy must extend to economic, social, and cultural dimensions”.
This holistic approach involves not just the harmonisation of trade negotiations, but also facilitating the free movement of people and fostering cooperation in education and healthcare.
“These efforts must always be focused on the welfare of citizens,” Mahama stressed.
“Whether we are harmonising trade negotiations, facilitating the free movement of our people, or promoting education and health cooperation, our diplomatic efforts must always work in the service of our citizens,” he stated, underscoring the importance of prioritising the needs of the people in all diplomatic endeavours.
In addition, President Mahama urged ECOWAS institutions to act swiftly and transparently.
“Our diplomatic efforts must empower ECOWAS institutions to act swiftly, credibly, and transparently,” he said, calling for a more responsive and dynamic approach to regional cooperation.
President announced that Ghana will offer 1,000 scholarships to tertiary students across the ECOWAS sub-region to study in universities in Ghana.
He said the gesture is to “strengthen regional and foster unity” among young people in ECOWAS sub-region.
“This is not just a gesture, it is an act of solidarity, it is a brace to a future where our young people will grow up seeing each other not as foreigners but partners,” President Mahama said.
Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, called on ECOWAS member states to renew their commitment to the foundational principles of the bloc.
He stressed the importance of building on past successes while confronting future challenges.
“It’s time to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the ideals upon which this Community was founded,” he stated. “The next chapter of ECOWAS must build on the foundation of the past, while boldly embracing the future.
“We must consolidate our gains in peace and security, deepen economic and political integration and foster inclusive growth that benefits every citizen of this sub-region.”
-0- PANA MA 22April2025
