Ghana’s former Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Francis Danti Kotia, has revealed that the recent spate of geopolitical developments continues to test the strength of the regional body.
The three African countries, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to form the Alliance of Saharan States (AES) in January 2024, due to dissatisfaction with ECOWAS’s handling of the security crisis and a desire for greater autonomy in collective defense.
According to Ambassador Danti Kotia, efforts have been made to bring these three countries back to ECOWAS. President John Dramani Mahama has been mandated to lead efforts to facilitate their return to the organization.
“Ghana, our beloved country, remains steadfast as a pillar of stability, and our commitment to ECOWAS and its objective is resolute,” he noted.
He made this known at the Koforidua Centre for National Culture, during a sensitization workshop on ECOWAS protocols organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration for Senior High School and Tertiary students in the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly of the Eastern Region.
He further explained that the aim of the workshop was to enlighten and inspire participants about the aims and objectives of ECOWAS, and the opportunities available to citizens of member states.
Francis Kotia indicated that the strength of the regional integration body depends not only on the protocols signed by leaders but also on the knowledge, enthusiasm, and active participation of the youth, in whose hands the future of the organization lies.
“Beyond peace and security, ECOWAS has brought tangible benefits to its citizens. The Protocols on free movement and the Rights of Residence and Establishment have facilitated cross-border cooperation and expanded economic activities,” he mentioned.
Mr. Danti Kotia said current data demonstrates that the sub-region has an annual economic output of about 740 billion dollars, with an export value of approximately 122.70 billion dollars.
