By: Hannah Dadzie
Ghana is to host the 61st Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Accra on Sunday July 3, 2022 at Kempinski Gold Coast City Hotel.
President Akufo-Addo who is the Chairman of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government will host his colleagues from twelve ECOWAS Member States in the sub-region.
A statement signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration said the Summit will mark the end of the second year stewardship of President Akufo-Addo as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.
President Akufo-Addo assumed the Chairmanship on September 7, 2020 in Niamey, Niger after Former President of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou ended his tenure.
In June, 2021, the mandate of President Akufo-Addo was renewed for another one year based on his sterling leadership and to complete ongoing institutional reforms geared towards the reduction of the number of statutory Appointees of the ECOWAS Commission from fifteen to seven and also streamline operational cost.
The statement said the summit will among other things be dedicated to examining and taking decisions on the political, security and humanitarian situations in the region. It shall review the current state of affairs in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso suspended from the organization following the unconstitutional changes of Government in these three countries.
Ahead of the summit, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey who is also the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers will host her Colleagues Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence and Security for the Mediation and Security Council Meeting in Accra on June 29, 2022 at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel.
“The Mediation and Security Council Meeting shall provide updates on the political developments in the region, especially in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso, as well as, in the Sahel Region. They would also provide updates on the overall climate of insecurity, challenges relating to youth unemployment and the impact of diseases and pandemics on social tensions in the Region.” the statement added
It said Madam Ayorkor Botchwey will also host her colleagues and Finance Ministers on Thursday June 30, 2022 and Friday July 1, 2022 in the ECOWAS Council of Ministers meeting to discuss and make recommendations on the finance, administration as well as the programmes and activities of ECOWAS institutions to the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government for adoption.