President John Dramani Mahama has extended an invitation to the military-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger for the official launch of the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, scheduled for April 22, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
During a press briefing on Thursday, April 17, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa elaborated that this invitation to the leaders of the Sahel region represents a diplomatic initiative aimed at mending relationships and promoting regional cooperation in light of the increasing divisions within West Africa.
The event will be graced by the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with the President of the ECOWAS Commission, heads of member states, and representatives from partner organizations.
Under the auspices of President Mahama, the occasion will also include the unveiling of the official ECOWAS@50 logo and the announcement of a theme to guide the year-long celebrations throughout the region.
After the anniversary launch, Ghana will host an Extraordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers on April 22 and 23. This meeting will see foreign affairs and finance ministers discussing significant regional matters, particularly the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS and their establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Minister Ablakwa underscored the necessity for renewed diplomatic initiatives in light of the exit of the AES nations. He recognized the challenges posed by their departure but stressed that ECOWAS must respond with strengthened diplomacy and a steadfast commitment to the vision of a united and prosperous West Africa.
“We must respond with enhanced diplomacy and unwavering commitment to the vision of a united and prosperous West Africa,” he affirmed.
He also acknowledged the accomplishments of ECOWAS over the last five decades, highlighting key initiatives such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, the Brown Card Insurance Scheme, and major infrastructure projects including the West African Power Pool and the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor.
“It transcends mere treaties and agreements,” Ablakwa stated. “It encompasses the entrepreneur in Accra and Abidjan, the student in Lagos and Dakar, the peacekeeper in Banjul and Bissau — it fundamentally concerns the people.”
A national planning committee, under the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is overseeing the celebration in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission and essential partners. While ECOWAS will bear the majority of the expenses, Ghana will ensure comprehensive logistical and security arrangements.
“This Jubilee represents more than just a celebration — it serves as a call to action,” Ablakwa emphasized. “We must seize this opportunity to reignite hope in the ECOWAS vision and forge a daring path for the next 50 years.”
