Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has praised ECOWAS’ five decades of regional leadership while urging deeper cooperation among member states during golden jubilee celebrations in Accra.
Addressing the April 22 anniversary launch at the Accra International Conference Centre, Ablakwa reflected on the West African bloc’s achievements in economic integration and conflict resolution since its 1975 establishment. “Our shared history proves that unity remains our most powerful tool for progress,” he told delegates.
The minister specifically highlighted ECOWAS’ role in mediating regional crises and facilitating cross-border trade, while acknowledging contemporary challenges including security threats and economic disparities. “The next fifty years demand renewed commitment to our founders’ vision of an interconnected, prosperous West Africa,” Ablakwa emphasized.
The anniversary comes as ECOWAS navigates complex regional dynamics, with Ghana positioning itself as a stabilizing force. Celebrations across the 15-member bloc will include policy forums and cultural events examining both past accomplishments and future priorities in areas like monetary union and democratic governance.
Analysts note the occasion provides an opportunity to recalibrate the organization’s approach to regional integration amid growing calls for institutional reforms. Ghana’s longstanding diplomatic engagement with ECOWAS, including its pivotal role in resolving past crises, lends weight to Ablakwa’s appeal for strengthened multilateral cooperation.
