AICC hosts ECOWAS at 50 launch today

Ghana will today host the launch of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), reaffirming its commitment to regional integration and unity.

The high-level launch is expected to be attended by the President of Nigeria and Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Governments, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside the President of the ECOWAS Commission.

The golden jubilee celebration, to be held under the auspices of President John Dramani Mahama, will also have in attendance regional leaders, foreign ministers, finance ministers, development partners and representatives of the Alliance of Sahel States.

Launch

The highlight of the launch will be the unveiling of the ECOWAS @ 50 anniversary logo and the announcement of the official theme for the year-long celebrations, which will involve all member states.

Speaking at a news conference in Accra last Thursday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, described the occasion as “a moment of historic significance” for West Africa, adding that the country was honoured to be entrusted with the privilege of hosting the launch.

“This honour done to our nation is most befitting and well-deserved, considering that Ghana has long emerged as the cradle of Pan-Africanism, the pioneers of African unity and the champions of regional integration,” he said.

Extraordinary meeting  

The minister also announced that Ghana would host a two-day Extraordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers immediately after the launch.

The meeting will deliberate on pressing regional issues, including the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from ECOWAS, preferring to be called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

“This meeting will be attended by all foreign ministers and finance ministers of ECOWAS member states, and will prepare a comprehensive report for the consideration of heads of state,” Mr Ablakwa stated.

Achievements

Highlighting the achievements of ECOWAS over the past five decades, Mr Ablakwa said the regional bloc had championed trade liberalisation, free movement of persons and joint infrastructure initiatives such as the West African Power Pool and the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor project.

“Thousands of young West Africans have gained critical skills, fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs, engineers and policymakers,” he said.

He further stated that in the area of peace and security, ECOWAS had been a pillar, intervening in crises and upholding democratic principles. 

AES exit, way forward

The Foreign Affairs Minister, however, acknowledged that recent challenges such as the exit of AES members had tested the bloc’s cohesion.

“While this is a challenge for regional unity, ECOWAS must reinforce diplomacy, enhance security and remain resolute in its vision of a united and prosperous West Africa,” he said.

He praised President Mahama’s “subtle diplomacy” and pragmatic engagement with the Sahel states, describing it as a philosophy hailed by his peers and many others.

“As the celebrations unfold, Ghana intends to use the moment not only to reflect on the past but also to chart an ambitious course for the next 50 years of ECOWAS.

“This is not merely a ceremonial event; it is a strategic opportunity to strengthen solidarity, enhance public awareness, and rekindle hope in the ECOWAS vision, especially among the youth,” Mr Ablakwa added.

He emphasised that a national planning committee, chaired by his office, was working to ensure the event was executed flawlessly.

“While the ECOWAS Commission will fund the bulk of the anniversary’s expenses, Ghana is providing robust logistical and security support,” the minister indicated.

Mr Ablakwa further described the golden jubilee as more than a commemoration of time but a testament to the resilience, cooperation, and shared aspirations of West African nations in pursuit of deeper cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, human capital development, agriculture, health, good governance, infrastructure development, peace and security.

“West Africa is looking up to Ghana, and Ghana is definitely ready to lead this celebration with pride, purpose, and excellence. And together as one people, we shall reaffirm our unshakeable commitment to a stronger, more united ECOWAS,” the minister concluded.