By Alex Adi
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is taking steps to increase citizen involvement in regional governance through the operationalisation of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOCC).
The initiative is the focus of a three-day validation meeting of experts and ministers currently taking place in Accra.
ECOSOCC is being established as part of the ECOWAS Treaty’s vision for inclusive governance and regional integration. The meeting in Accra is focused on shaping the structure and operations of the new platform.
The council is expected to enable civil society organisations and other non-state actors to actively participate in ECOWAS decision-making, while strengthening dialogue between governments and citizens across the region.
Chair of the experts’ meeting, Edson Kamara, highlighted the unprecedented challenge posed by the recent withdrawals of three member states and stressed the need for continued dialogue and commitment to regional cooperation.
“The responsibility entrusted to this meeting is both technical and strategic. Our deliberations will help shape the institutional foundations of a platform that can enhance citizen participation in the regional integration process,” he said.
The ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, urged participants to carefully review and validate the proposed institutional and legal framework for the platform.
He also called for an assessment of the draft roadmap and budget for the initial phase, as well as the finalisation of recommendations.
“For 50 years, ECOWAS has been building institutions and policies to guide regional integration. But if we do not create a platform for the people — civil society, the private sector, youth groups, women’s organisations, research institutions and traditional leaders — then integration risks becoming just a slogan,” Dr Musah said.
He added that finalising the framework would help bring ECOWAS closer to its citizens and strengthen regional integration across West Africa.
