ECOWAS leaders have started arriving in Accra for the historic launch of ECOWAS @ 50 today, Tuesday, April 22.
The leaders who have arrived include Liberian President, His Excellency Joseph Boakai.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samule Okudzeto Ablakwa who welcomed some of the leaders said that “With honour, I earlier today welcomed His Excellency Muhammed B. S. Jallow, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia. As always, Ghana is ready to make the region proud.”
“Liberian President, His Excellency Joseph Boakai arrives in Accra tonight for ECOWAS @ 50.
“It was a deep privilege welcoming him to Ghana on behalf of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama,” Mr Ablakwa wrote on X.
Lst week, during a res conference in Accra, Mr Ablakwa said that President John Dramani Mahama, had extended invited the military juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to attend the official launch of 50 years of ECOWAS’s establishment in Accra.
Addressing the press on Thursday, April 17, 2025, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stated that the invitation to the Heads of State from the Sahel bloc is a step towards building bridges and collaborating to strengthen the West African sub‑region.
On January 29 2025, the three countries formally withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after providing the required one year notice.
Ghana will host the official launch of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) today Tuesday April 22, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
As part of the launch, ECOWAS will unveil its 50th‑anniversary logo and declare the official theme for the Jubilee Celebrations. The launch will also set the tone for a year‑long series of commemorative events across all member states.
After the launch, Ghana will host an Extraordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers on April 22 and 23, where foreign and finance ministers of member states will deliberate on pressing regional issues, including the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the bloc to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
A comprehensive report will be prepared for consideration by the ECOWAS Heads of State.
“While the withdrawal of the AES nations presents a challenge to our cohesion, ECOWAS must respond with enhanced diplomacy and unwavering commitment to the vision of a united and prosperous West Africa,” the Minister emphasised.
