By: Sarah Baafi
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will officially launch its 50th anniversary celebrations on 22 April 2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre in Ghana. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the historic event, expressing pride that Ghana had been chosen to host the landmark occasion.
He said Ghana “has long emerged as a cradle of Pan-Africanism, the pioneers of African unity, and the champions of regional integration,” making it a most fitting venue for the celebrations.
He stressed that the launch would be immediately followed by an extraordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers on 22 and 23 April, where foreign and finance ministers from member states would discuss the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the community. This meeting aims to prepare a comprehensive report for the consideration of the heads of state.
He said the event would be attended by key figures 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, as well as other heads of state and government.
President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana will host the launch and has extended a special invitation to the leaders of the three Alliance of Sahelian States (AES) countries to join the commemoration.
He highlighted ECOWAS’s achievements over the past five decades, describing its legacy as one of “modest transformation” that has advanced regional integration through policy harmonisation, resource pooling, and collective efforts to address common challenges.
He pointed to successes such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, scholarship programmes for young West Africans, and major infrastructure projects like the West Africa Power Pool and the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, which have enhanced connectivity and trade.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by the departure of the three member states but emphasised that ECOWAS must “reinforce diplomacy, enhance security, and remain resolute in its vision of a united and prosperous West Africa.”
He praised President Mahama’s recent diplomatic efforts addressing the AES situation, noting they have been “hailed by his peers and many other observers.”
He concluded by saying the 50th anniversary is more than a ceremonial event; it is a strategic moment to celebrate ECOWAS’s accomplishments, strengthen regional solidarity, raise awareness of its peacekeeping and development roles, and inspire hope—especially among the youth.
The celebrations will also showcase Ghana’s leadership in advancing the ECOWAS agenda.
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