The Golden Jubilee of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was officially launched in Accra, Ghana on 22nd April, 2025. The ceremony brought together representatives from all ECOWAS Member States, top government officials, regional dignitaries, and diplomatic missions. Dignitaries from the African Union, the United Nations, and other multilateral organizations were also represented at the historic event. The occasion marked the beginning of a year-long celebration to reflect 50 years of regional cooperation, integration, and progress.
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) in his welcome address indicated that, the 50th anniversary milestone offers the ECOWAS Community an opportunity to reflect on the challenges it had overcome, the progress it had made, and the sacrifices of those who envisioned a united, prosperous, and peaceful West Africa. He further added that it was also time to reaffirm the unwavering commitment to the ideals upon which the Community was founded. Hon. Ablakwa stated that, “Fifty years on, we have every reason to celebrate. ECOWAS has evolved from a modest economic cooperation framework into a dynamic, multifaceted regional community, championing not only economic integration but also peace, security, democracy, and social development. From promoting intra-regional trade and cross-border infrastructure projects to deploying peacekeeping missions in moments of crisis and facilitating the free movement of our people, ECOWAS has made remarkable strides in advancing the collective aspirations of West Africans”.
In his address, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray stated that ECOWAS was worth celebrating because it is the most integrated community on the continent as a result of the adoption of the Protocol on Free Movement, the effectiveness of the Trade Liberalization Scheme, registering over 15,000 companies with over 50,000 products that are now supported by the Interconnected System for Management of Goods in Transit, currently operational in 7 Member States. He also referenced the $131 billion infrastructure projects that ECOWAS Commission is undertaking in the region in the areas of Transport, Energy and Water Resources.
The Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H. E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a speech read on his behalf by Madam Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, indicated that the bold vision for ECOWAS which was created by the founding fathers had remained strong and thus, it was important to celebrate the five (5) decades of progress and rekindle the flame of solidarity that has guided the region through triumph and trails.
Madam Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama for his commitment to democratic governance, economic growth and regional solidarity and further applauded him for his efforts in championing collaboration in the region and tireless transformative policies.
Delivering the keynote address, President John Dramani Mahama emphasized the significance of diplomacy in resolving the region’s current difficulties, particularly the political instability, and security threats in the Sahel. He called for sustained dialogue, deeper integration, and inclusive development as ECOWAS enters its new chapter. President Mahama also declared Ghana’s commitment to regional education and announced that the country would award one thousand (1,000) university scholarships to students from the ECOWAS sub-region, highlighting education as a critical diplomatic tool.
Rich cultural performances representing Africa’s unique past added to the festive atmosphere, symbolizing the unity in diversity that ECOWAS represents and emphasising the importance of culture in fostering regional togetherness.
In attendance were the President of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Joseph Boakai, Vice President of the Republic of the Gambia, H.E. Mohammed B.S. Jallow, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Togo, H.E. Ms. Victoire Tomegah Dogbé and Representatives of the President of other Member States.