President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has urged West African nations to embrace dialogue and cooperation since the region’s future lies in unity and not isolation.
In his address at the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, President Mahama stressed the need for the rebuilding of trust within the regional bloc to ensure its continued relevance in the years ahead.
Speaking on the theme: “Celebrating 50 Years of West African Unity and Integration.” Mahama said: “ECOWAS has grown into a major diplomatic force in Africa, Our founding fathers chose cooperation over rivalry, and this principle must guide us as we confront the challenges ahead.”
He acknowledged the complexities facing the region, including rising insecurity, political instability and economic imbalances that have made regional cooperation more challenging.
Addressing the recent withdrawals of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS, he described it as a regrettable situation, but one that could be overcome with continued diplomatic efforts.
“We must not respond with isolation or recrimination,” Mahama stated. “Our first and most important response must be dialogue, and we must keep the lines of communication open. Ghana is engaging with the Sahelian states to rebuild trust and reaffirm our shared vision for West Africa’s future.”
He underscored Ghana’s diplomatic efforts, including the appointment of a special envoy to lead high-level talks with the affected nations.
He reiterated Ghana’s commitment in playing a role in restoring unity within the ECOWAS family.
“Unity, though difficult, remains the best path to shared prosperity and stability in the region,” the report by Daily Graphic on Wednesday quoted President Mahama as saying.
He also called on the regional bloc for ECOWAS to broaden its scope beyond conflict resolution, advocating greater focus on economic, social and cultural integration.
According to the report, leaders, diplomats and eminent personalities from across the sub-region came together to reflect on the history of ECOWAS since the founding in 1975.
GIK/APA