President John Dramani Mahama has invited the military-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Accra. The event is scheduled for April 22, 2025. At a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that the invitation extended to the three countries is a “gesture of reconciliation.”
This initiative aims to bridge divisions and restore dialogue with the Sahel nations, which have recently announced their withdrawal from the regional bloc to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). He emphasized that this diplomatic move seeks to foster dialogue and heal regional divisions.
Mr. Ablakwa underscored the importance of regional unity in the face of emerging threats, stating: “Ghana believes in dialogue, not disengagement. This invitation reflects our commitment to peace, regional cooperation, and the shared destiny of West Africans. The launch of ECOWAS@50 at the Accra International Conference Centre will mark a historic moment for the bloc, which was established on May 28, 1975 to promote economic integration and political cooperation across West Africa.
The event will be officially hosted by President Mahama and will feature the unveiling of a new anniversary logo and the announcement of the year-long Jubilee theme. Expected dignitaries include Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, other regional leaders, and international development partners.
By: Gertrude Ankah
