The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that Ghana will host a special meeting of ECOWAS heads of state and Council of Ministers in Accra on April 22-23, 2025, as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations
During a press briefing, Hon Ablakwa stated that the anniversary launch will be more than just a ceremonial occasion; it will serve as a strategic moment to recognize the accomplishments of ECOWAS over the last fifty years.
The meeting will include all Foreign Affairs and Finance Ministers from member states to discuss the departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS and to prepare a detailed report for the heads of state.
He said the meeting will follow the launch of the golden jubilee celebration at the Accra International Conference Centre on April 22, starting at 11:00 AM, setting the stage for a year-long celebration among member states.
“The theme for the celebration will be revealed during the launch,” the Minister mentioned.
He highlighted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, who chairs the ECOWAS Authority, will be present, along with all member heads of state and representatives from Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, who have recently exited the organization.
“It is a significant honor for our nation that ECOWAS has selected Ghana to host the launch event for ECOWAS@50,” said the MP for North Tongu.
He added, “This recognition is well-deserved, as Ghana has long been a leader in pan-Africanism, a pioneer of African unity, and a champion of regional integration.”
ECOWAS was established on May 25, 1975 to advance regional integration and policy harmonization.
It aim was to pool resources together and ensure a co-operation among member states for a collective and strategic combat challenges confronting the sub-region.