The Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called for a deeper economic and political integration across West Africa.
He said this during his welcome address at the launch of ECOWAS’s 50th Anniversary celebrations on Tuesday in Accra.
Speaking before regional leaders and diplomats, Mr Ablakwa emphasized the need for ECOWAS member states to build upon existing achievements while charting an ambitious path forward for the regional bloc.
“The next chapter of ECOWAS must build on the foundations of the past, while boldly embracing the future,” he said. “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.”
The Minister’s statement came as West African leaders gathered to kick off a year-long celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, which was established on May 28, 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos.
ECOWAS has evolved substantially since its founding, he noted, transforming “from a modest economic cooperation framework into a dynamic, multifaceted regional community, championing not only economic integration but also peace, security, democracy, and social development.”
The event, hosted by President John Dramani Mahama attracted heads of state and government representatives from across the 15-member regional bloc.
Mr Ablakwa connected current integration efforts to Ghana’s historical role in pan-African unity, referencing the first All-African People’s Conference held in Accra in 1958.
“Since Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah convened the first All-African People’s Conference here in Accra from December 8-13, 1958, which in many ways served as the ultimate inspiration for continental African Unity, Accra has long been considered a preferred consequential meeting point for the attainment of our integration objectives,” he explained.
The anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect, he added, on “the challenges we have overcome, the progress we have made, and the sacrifices of those who envisioned a united, prosperous, and peaceful West Africa.”
Mr Ablakwa also quoted Nkrumah’s vision: “If we in Africa can achieve the example of a continent knit together in common policy and common purpose, we shall have made the finest possible contribution to that peace for which all men and women thirst today.”
The Minister, who chairs Ghana’s ECOWAS@50 Planning Committee, revealed that the anniversary launch was largely funded by ECOWAS member states and private sector contributions.
“Funding for the ECOWAS@50 launch has been a shared responsibility,” he pointed out. “The Ghanaian taxpayer has therefore not been burdened with this event.”
On his part, the regional integration expert, Dr. Adama Diallo from the University of Dakar said, the timing of this call is particularly important given recent challenges.
“With three member states recently announcing their withdrawal and ongoing security issues in the Sahel, reasserting the commitment to integration sends an important message about ECOWAS’s future direction,” Diallo said.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
