ACCRA, Ghana— President Mahama said Tuesday that Ghana will offer 1,000 university scholarships to students from across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
He described the initiative as a step toward strengthening regional ties through education and shared opportunity.
Mahama made the announcement at the launch of the 50th anniversary celebrations of ECOWAS in Accra.
The event, held under the theme “Celebrating 50 Years of West African Unity and Integration,” brought together regional leaders, senior government officials and representatives of the ECOWAS Commission.
“To mark this moment and strengthen regional bonds, Ghana is offering a thousand scholarships to tertiary students from across the ECOWAS subregion to study in our universities,” Mahama said.
The president described the scholarship program as more than a goodwill gesture, calling it a practical investment in the region’s future.
“This is not just a gesture,” Mahama said. “It is a bridge to a future where our young people will grow up seeing each other not as foreigners but as partners.”
Mahama also urged ECOWAS leaders to focus on deeper forms of cooperation beyond conflict resolution and called for diplomacy that supports peace, inclusion and shared progress through investment in youth and education.
“Our drive for integration through diplomacy must extend to economic, social and cultural areas,” Mahama said. “Whether it is harmonizing trade negotiations or advancing cooperation in education and health, our diplomatic tools must always work in the service of our people.”
The scholarship program will be coordinated by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in partnership with the country’s public universities.
Details on the application process and eligibility are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Established in 1975, ECOWAS promotes economic cooperation and political coordination among its 15 member states.
As the bloc marks its 50th anniversary, Mahama called on regional leaders to prioritize initiatives that directly benefit citizens, particularly the youth.