ECOWAS at 50: Ablakwa Calls for Bold Renewal of Founding Vision
Minister Ablakwa urges West African leaders to strengthen regional unity and embrace a future rooted in shared values
- Ablakwa urges ECOWAS to recommit to its founding ideals of unity, peace, and development
- Calls for deeper economic and political integration to benefit all citizens in the sub-region
- ECOWAS launches year-long 50th anniversary celebrations
At the official launch of ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary celebrations, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, urged member states to recommit to the core values that gave birth to the regional bloc.
Speaking at the ceremony held on Tuesday, April 22nd at the Accra International Conference Centre, Ablakwa emphasized the need to draw strength from the past while courageously facing the future.
“It’s time to renew our steadfast dedication to the ideals that inspired the creation of ECOWAS,” he said. “The future of this Community lies in preserving our achievements in peace and security, advancing economic and political unity, and promoting inclusive development that touches the lives of all West Africans.”
The event, presided over by President John Dramani Mahama, marks the beginning of a year-long celebration across member nations, highlighting ECOWAS’s milestones in regional cooperation, stability, and growth over the past 50 years.
Among the high-profile attendees were President Mahama, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, government officials, MPs, and citizens from across the region.
