PRESS STATEMENT TO BE DELIVERED BY MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, HON. SAMUEL OKUDZETO ABLAKWA (MP), ON GHANA’S HOSTING OF THE LAUNCH EVENT OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF ECOWAS
Good morning compatriots and thank you for attending this press conference.
1. It is an honour to address you this morning on a moment of historic significance to our West African Region. As you are all well aware, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is 50 this year. May 28, 2025 will be exactly 50 years since ECOWAS was founded.
2. It is of great pride to our nation that ECOWAS has chosen Ghana to host the launch event for the ECOWAS @ 50 Celebrations.
3. This honour done 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.
4. The launch of the ECOWAS @ 50 celebrations will take place on the 22nd of April, 2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre.
5. The launch is expected to commence at l:00pm and will set the tone for a year-long celebration across all ECOWAS member states.
6 . This solemn event will be marked by the unveiling of the Anniversary Logo of ECOWAS as well as a declaration of the theme for the Jubilee Celebrations.
7. It is important to highlight that as part of the Golden Jubilee launch, Ghana will host an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of ECOWAS on 22d and 23m April, 2025. This meeting will thus take place immediately after the launch event.
8. This Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers which will be attended by all Foreign Ministers and Finance Ministers of ECOWAS member states will deliberate on the exit of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger (Alliance of Sahel States) from ECOWAS and prepare a comprehensive report for the consideration of Heads of State.
9 . It is our expectation that the Launch event will be attended by the Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Heads of State and Government of Member States, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Finance Ministers of Member States, Heads of Partner Organisations as well as
representatives of the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES).
10. This special launch will be hosted by the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama.
11. As we reflect on the state of our regional economic community, it is no exaggeration to say that the legacy of ECOWAS over the past five decades has been one of modest transformation, driving regional integration through harmonization of policy, pooling of
resources and cooperation for a collective and strategic combat against a myriad of problems confronting the region.
12. Through Protocols such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme and the ECOWAS Free Movement of Goods, Persons, Residence and Establishment, the regional body has achieved an appreciable level of regional integration with an enviable track record on the continent. Thousands of young West Africans have gained critical skills, fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs,
engineers and policymakers through initiatives such as the EU-ECOWAS Scholarship Programmes.
Infrastructure projects such as the West African Power Pool and the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor are strengthening connectivity, trade and industrialization, bringing us closer to a borderless West Africa.
13. In the area of Peace and Security, ECOWAS has been a pillar, intervening in crises and upholding democratic principles through peacekeeping missions and diplomatic efforts.
14. Yet recently, the impact of ECOWAS in forging together an integrated regional economic bloc of 15 Member States has been somewhat diminished in the face of political and security challenges, which have led to the withdrawal of three Member States. Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have since formed the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES). While this is a challenge for regional cohesion, ECOWAS, in response, must reinforce
diplomacy, enhance security and remain resolute in its vision of a united and prosperous West Africa.
It is fair to say that this has been the philosophy underpinning President Mahama’s recent shuttle diplomacy and pragmatic approach in addressing the AES challenge which has been hailed by his peers and many others.
15. As we mark 50 years of ECOWAS, it is imperative that we seize this moment to chart a bold and ambitious course for the next 50 years. The ECOWAS @50 Anniversary is not merely a ceremonial event—it is a strategic opportunity to:
• Celebrate our achievements in fostering regional stability, economic growth, and cultural exchange.
• Strengthen solidarity among member states amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.
• Enhance public awareness o f ECOWAS’ role in peacekeeping, trade, and development.
• Advance inclusive dialogue on the future of regional integration.
• Rekindle hope and belief in the ECOWAS vision, particularly amongst the youth.
Showcase Ghana’s leadership in driving the ECOWAS agenda forward.
16. To ensure the seamless execution of this landmark celebration, the Government of Ghana has constituted a Planning Committee, chaired by my office, which is working assiduously to deliver an excellent programme of activities befitting such a solemn milestone.
17. The success of this event is a national priority. While the ECOWAS Commission will bear the majority of the financial burden, Ghana’s commitment to providing security, and logistical support underscores our unwavering dedication to regional unity. We, therefore,
seek the full endorsement and collective support of all stakeholders— government agencies, private sector partners, civil society, and the people of Ghana-to ensure that this celebration is world-class, befitting our nation’s reputation as a leader in diplomacy and regional cooperation.
18. Fifty years ago, on 28″ May 1975, visionary leaders from across West Africa came together to sign the Treaty of Lagos, giving birth to an ambitious project, creating a regional bloc that would promote economic integration and improve the lives of our people. At that moment, they laid the foundation for what would become a formidable force for progress, unity, and peace on our continent. Since then, ECOWAS has evolved
beyond its economic origins to become an institution that stands as a pillar of democracy, a guardian of regional security, and a beacon of social and cultural integration and a promoter of human capital development, that is working to ensure food security in a sustainable way.
19. On this occasion, let us remember that regional integration is not just about policies—it is about people. It is about the entrepreneur in Accra and Abidjan, the student in Lagos and Dakar, the journalist in Lome and Free Town and the peacekeeper in Banjul and Bissau. It is about the farmers, traders, artists, and innovators who believe in a future where West Africa stands united in strength, stability, and shared prosperity.
20. This golden jubilee is more than a commemoration of time; i t is a testament to the resilience, cooperation, and shared aspirations of West African nations in their pursuit of deeper cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, human capital development, agriculture, health,good governance, infrastructure development, peace and security.
21. This is why it is a singular honour that, at the 66* Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS
Authority of Heads of State and Government, Ghana was entrusted with the privilege of hosting the official launch of this momentous occasion.
As already indicated, the Launch Ceremony will serve as a launch pad for a year-long series of events in other Member States of the ECOWAS region.
22. 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 unshakable commitment to a stronger, more united West Africa.
23. Thank you very much.
