Ghana is set to host the official launch of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a significant event scheduled for April 22, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
The celebration will mark exactly 50 years since the regional bloc was established on May 28, 1975.
Speaking to the press today, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, expressed great pride in Ghana being selected to host the launch.
He emphasized that this honour is both befitting and well-deserved, considering Ghana’s historic role as a cradle of Pan-Africanism, a pioneer of African unity, and a champion of regional integration.
The launch event, expected to begin at 11 a.m., will feature the unveiling of the official ECOWAS at 50 anniversary logo and the declaration of the Jubilee theme.
It will set the tone for a year-long series of commemorative events across all member states.
As part of the Golden Jubilee activities, he noted Ghana will also host an extraordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers on April 22 and 23.
This high-level meeting will bring together foreign affairs and finance ministers from member states to deliberate on critical issues, particularly the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS, and the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States.
He said the outcome will be compiled into a report for submission to the Authority of Heads of State and Government.
The launch is expected to attract several dignitaries, including the Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria; the President of the ECOWAS Commission, heads of state and government of member countries, ministers, leaders of development partner organizations and representatives of the Alliance of Sahel States.
He noted that, President John Dramani Mahama, will host the launch.
Mr. Ablakwa revealed that President Mahama has extended special invitations to the heads of state of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to join the commemorative event despite their countries’ current withdrawal from the regional body.
Reflecting on the progress of ECOWAS over the past five decades, Minister Ablakwa described its legacy as one of modest but meaningful transformation.
He pointed to key protocols such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme, the Brown Card Insurance Scheme, and the Free Movement of Persons, Residence, and Establishment Protocol as pivotal to the regional body’s success in promoting integration.
He also highlighted the impact of initiatives such as the AU-ECOWAS scholarship program, which has empowered thousands of young West Africans with critical skills, creating a new generation of entrepreneurs, engineers, and policymakers.
Infrastructure projects like the West Africa Power Pool and the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor are further enhancing connectivity and driving trade and industrialization.
The Foreign Affairs Minister stressed that the ECOWAS at 50 celebrations serve not only as a time of reflection but also as a moment to reaffirm commitment to a more united, secure, and prosperous West Africa.
