Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to establishing a common currency and a Central Bank, urging citizens to keep hope alive as efforts continue.
Speaking at a press conference on April 21, Ablakwa emphasized that the vision remains intact despite challenges in creating a unified trade platform.
The proposed currency, ‘ECO’, aims to enhance trade and eliminate barriers within the ECOWAS sub-region, potentially rivaling the Euro and US dollar in global trade.
Ablakwa assured that while the process has been in development for over a decade, political will and preliminary structures are in place to drive the initiative forward.
ECOWAS is set to mark its 50th anniversary with a year-long celebration, beginning with a launch event in Accra from April 21 to 26.
Heads of state will unveil a commemorative logo and hold discussions on key regional issues, including the status of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which are currently under military rule.
Foreign Affairs and Finance Ministers will also convene to deliberate on economic cooperation, trade, and the establishment of a common platform to eliminate trade barriers. Ablakwa expressed optimism, stating, “In the shortest possible time, we shall have a common currency, a common standby force, and common institutions that will help us attain full integration.”
The ECOWAS vision, rooted in the ideals of its founding fathers, continues to evolve, with efforts actively being pursued to strengthen regional unity and economic stability.
