ACCRA, Ghana — Regional heads of state have begun arriving in Accra for the official launch of ECOWAS @ 50, a year-long celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States.
Liberian President Joseph Boakai was among the early arrivals ahead of Tuesday’s launch ceremony at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, welcomed Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow of The Gambia at the airport earlier in the day.
“With honour, I welcomed His Excellency Muhammed B.S. Jallow, Vice President of The Gambia. As always, Ghana is ready to make the region proud,” Ablakwa posted on X.
Boakai arrived later Monday evening. “It was a deep privilege welcoming him to Ghana on behalf of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama,” Ablakwa said.
The launch will include the unveiling of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary logo and the announcement of the official theme for the celebrations.
The event sets the tone for a year of commemorative activities across all 15 member states.
As part of the programme, Ghana will also host an Extraordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers from April 22 – 23.
Foreign and finance ministers are expected to deliberate on major regional issues, including the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the bloc.
During a press briefing on April 17, Ablakwa confirmed that President Mahama had extended invitations to the military-led governments of the three countries despite their formal exit from ECOWAS in January 2025.
“The invitation is a step towards building bridges and strengthening collaboration in the West African subregion,” Ablakwa said.
The withdrawal of the three Sahel nations, which have since formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), is expected to dominate discussions during the ministerial meetings.
“While the withdrawal of the AES nations presents a challenge to our cohesion, ECOWAS must respond with enhanced diplomacy and unwavering commitment to the vision of a united and prosperous West Africa,” Ablakwa said.
A comprehensive report from the ministerial discussions will be presented to ECOWAS Heads of State for further consideration.