As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) celebrates its golden jubilee, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has urged West African leaders and citizens to reignite the spirit of unity, economic integration, and Pan-African solidarity.
Invoking Ghana’s pivotal role in Africa’s integration efforts, Hon. Ablakwa spoke at the official opening of the ECOWAS 50th anniversary celebrations in Accra, describing the event as historic and emotionally significant.
In order to lay the ideological foundation for a united Africa, he reminded the audience that Ghana, led by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, organised the first All-African Peoples’ Conference in December 1958.
“As we gather today not just as officials, but as proud custodians of our collective regional identity, we are reminded of the sacrifices and dreams of our forebears who envisioned a prosperous, peaceful, and integrated West Africa”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzteo Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister
He recalled that the historic Treaty of Lagos, which established ECOWAS as a platform for regional cooperation, economic development, and political solidarity, was signed by visionary leaders from the sub-region on May 28, 1975, in Lagos, Nigeria.
According to Hon. Ablakwa, since then, ECOWAS has grown from a small economic cooperation project to a strong regional organisation that now manages infrastructure development, trade facilitation, security operations, peacekeeping missions, and the encouragement of free movement among member states.
The Foreign Affairs Minister further noted that the jubilee celebration is an opportunity for retrospection and renewed commitment.
“The ECOWAS of today represents not only an economic union but a beacon of peace, regional solidarity, and collective action in moments of crisis. As we launch this celebration, let us not merely reminisce. Let us look forward.
“The next chapter of our integration must deepen political cooperation and foster inclusive economic growth that touches every citizen in this sub-region.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzteo Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister
Acknowledgement of Support
As chair of Ghana’s ECOWAS-at-50 Planning Committee, Hon. Ablakwa used the occasion to thank all of the partners for their tremendous support and sponsorship of the launch event, particularly those in the media and private sectors in Ghana.
He praised Ghana’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Stan Dogbe, and his group of event organizers for their professionalism and dedication, as well as the ECOWAS Planning Committee, which is headed by the ECOWAS Commission, for their unwavering dedication.
According to him, the ECOWAS Commission covered nearly all of the celebration’s expenses, and the majority of the services were provided pro bono.
“This full sponsorship, particularly by media organisations and private companies, is a loud affirmation of their unflinching belief in the ECOWAS vision. I cannot express enough thanks”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzteo Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister
Hon. Ablakwa reassured the public that the expenses were properly controlled and mostly covered by ECOWAS itself, allaying any worries that might be expressed in this period of economic austerity.
Beyond the festivities, the Minister called on West Africans to fully engage in future gatherings, stressing the importance of “sharing our common stories, forging new partnerships, and charting together the path towards a stronger, more resilient, and more united ECOWAS.”
Hon. Ablakwa emphasised the existential significance of regional and continental integration in the current unstable global order by quoting Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana and a symbol of African unity.
“If we in Africa can achieve the example of a continent knit together in common policy and common purpose, we shall help lift mankind from the deepening shadow of global destruction- Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzteo Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister
The President of Liberia, the Vice President of Gambia, the Prime Minister of Togo, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, ECOWAS member state representatives, African Union officials, diplomatic corps, leaders of civil society, and traditional leaders were among the many dignitaries who attended the event.
It marked the start of months-long events that would honour ECOWAS’s history, commemorate its accomplishments, and investigate creative approaches to regional integration in a world that was changing quickly.
Hon. Ablakwa concluded his speech by expressing the government’s strong belief in the ECOWAS dream and offering warm regards from President John Dramani Mahama.
“May our deliberations and celebrations in the coming months inspire renewed hope, solidarity, and ambition not just for West Africa, but for the entire African continent”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzteo Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister
Throughout the remainder of the year, it is anticipated that the ECOWAS Jubilee celebrations will include policy conferences, youth forums, cultural exhibits, and economic discussions in all 15 member states.
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