The next chapter of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) must be built on the foundation of past successes and consolidate the gains in the areas of peace and security.
The leadership underscored the need for the West African bloc to deepen economic/ political integration to engender growth and prosperity.
At the launch of the 50th Anniversary of ECOWAS in Accra on Tuesday, President John Dramani Mahama, joined by other leaders within the sub-region, unveiled the ECOWAS@50 Logo and theme for the year-long celebrations across member states.
The theme for the Golden Jubilee is: “Stronger Together, For a Brighter Future”.
It highlights the power of unity, regional cooperation, shared commitment and foundation for building a prosperous and sustainable future for the citizens within the Community.
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, said: “The 50th anniversary milestone offers us an opportunity to reflect on the challenges, progress and sacrifices of those who envisioned the Community.”
“It is time to re-affirm our unwavering commitment of the ideals of our founding fathers.”
Mr Ablakwa said ECOWAS had made remarkable strides over the past five decades in advancing the collective aspirations of West Africans.
He called for concerted efforts by the leadership and key institutions to foster inclusive growth to benefit every citizen of the bloc.
Mr Ablakwa explained that the funding for the ECOWAS 50th Anniversary was borne by member states, noting that the Ghanaian taxpayer was not saddled with the cost of the event.
He commended the Planning Committee for its teamwork and sacrifices towards the celebration and urged the delegates to actively participate in the launch activities to chart the wayforward for the regional bloc.
The Economic Community of West African States was formed on May 28, 1975 in Lagos after the West African leaders signed the Lagos Treaty for economic and political cooperation towards advancing their collective growth and prosperity.
Some of the high profile personalities present at the launch were former President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Liberia, Joseph Boakai, and Vice President of The Gambia, Muhammad B.S. Jallow.
The others were President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr Oumar Alien Touray, and Vice President of ECOWAS Commission, Damtien Tchintchibidja.
As part of the launch, ministers of Foreign Affairs and Finance within the Community would hold an extraordinary meeting of Council of Ministers to deliberate on the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from the West African bloc to form the Alliance of Sahelian States.
The meeting would enable the Council to properly brief the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS during their next Summit.
GNA
