As part of efforts to educate the youth on the mandate of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with Media Response and the Volta Regional Coordinating Council organised a Sensitization Workshop on ECOWAS Protocols for Senior High and Tertiary Students in the Volta Region.
In his welcome address, the Volta Regional Minister, Honourable James Gunu said that the Volta Region plays a crucial role in advancing the ideals and objectives of ECOWAS in promoting economic integration, peace and stability. He stated that the Volta Regional Coordinating Council is fully committed to supporting initiatives that will align with the broader vision of development through partnership and collaboration. “We will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other stakeholders to ensure that the principles of ECOWAS being unity, economic progress, and peaceful coexistence are not just taught but lived by the communities in the Region” he added. Honourable Gunu urged the students to be abreast of the ECOWAS protocols to empower them to explore opportunities within the sub-region in the areas of trade, education, technology and cultural exchange.
In his address, the Coordinating Director for Multilateral and International Organisations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Francis Danti Kotia noted that since its establishment in 1975, ECOWAS has played a vital role in promoting economic growth, political stability and social development in West Africa, and has also addressed challenges such as political instability and economic inequality to achieve lasting unity and development in the sub-region. He indicated that ECOWAS offers enormous opportunities for education, cultural exchange and youth empowerment, and has facilitated cross-border cooperation and expanded economic activities for the sub-region which has an economic output of about $740.00 billion annually and an export value of about $122.70 billion.
He reiterated Ghana’s commitment to ECOWAS and its objectives and added that the future economic growth of ECOWAS relies on innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and skills development. He therefore encouraged the students to learn more about ECOWAS, develop their talents and build networks across borders to enable them to contribute meaningfully to the prosperity of the sub-region.
The ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana informed the students about ECOWAS projects in Ghana and added that the organisation is working to create an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs and professionals. He encouraged all stakeholders to work to ensure that the ECOWAS sub-region becomes a zone of stability, progress, peace and shared prosperity.
The workshop brought together students, educators, traditional and religious leaders, and officials from Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) and Civil Society Organisations.