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Ghana has been selected to host the official launch of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a major milestone for the regional bloc and a proud moment for the nation.
The launch event, scheduled for April 22, 2025, will take place at the Accra International Conference Centre. It marks the beginning of a year-long series of activities across ECOWAS member states to commemorate the founding of the bloc on May 28, 1975.
Addressing the media, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, described the hosting honour as a testament to Ghana’s historic role in championing Pan-Africanism, regional integration, and African unity.
“This golden jubilee is more than a commemoration of time; it is a testament to the resilience, cooperation, and shared aspirations of West African nations,” – the Minister said.
The event will be hosted by President John Dramani Mahama and is expected to attract high-level dignitaries including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, who currently chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, other Heads of State, Foreign and Finance Ministers, and representatives of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
A key highlight will be the unveiling of the ECOWAS@50 Anniversary logo and the announcement of the official theme for the celebrations.
The launch will also coincide with an Extraordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers on April 22–23, which will discuss the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS.
Hon. Ablakwa emphasized the need to use the jubilee as a platform for deepening unity and redefining the vision of ECOWAS in the face of growing political and security challenges. He praised President Mahama’s recent diplomatic efforts in engaging the AES bloc and called for renewed commitment to ECOWAS’ values of peace, security, and development.
“ECOWAS must reinforce diplomacy, enhance security and remain resolute in its vision of a united and prosperous West Africa,” – the Minister stated.
Reflecting on ECOWAS’ achievements, Hon. Ablakwa highlighted transformative protocols like the Trade Liberalisation Scheme and Free Movement of Persons, as well as strategic infrastructure projects like the West African Power Pool and the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor.
He also acknowledged the role of ECOWAS in regional peacekeeping and its support for youth development through scholarship initiatives and policy harmonisation.
The Minister called on all Ghanaians—government institutions, private sector, and civil society—to support the successful hosting of the event. He revealed that a national planning committee chaired by his office is working diligently to ensure a world-class celebration.
As West Africa marks this important milestone, Ghana stands ready to lead with excellence, reaffirming its role as a pillar of diplomacy and regional cooperation.
“Regional integration is not just about policies—it is about people,” Hon. Ablakwa concluded. “As one people, we shall reaffirm our unshakable commitment to a stronger, more united West Africa.”
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu