President John Mahama has praised the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as an important diplomatic force and political organization on the African continent.
Speaking at an event to mark the regional body’s 50th anniversary in Accra, Ghana’s head of state, said ECOWAS had demonstrated leadership and competence in managing socio-political disagreements in the region.
He cited a number of instances where he extolled the body’s impact.
“Through consistent engagements, dialogue and mediation, our community has earned a reputation as a trusted arbiter in conflict prevention and resolution.
“Whether it has been in restoring peace in Liberia and Sierra Leone, in guiding Gambia through a difficult period, addressing electoral crises in Cote D’ivoire, Togo, ECOWAS has proven that African solutions through diplomacy can and do work,” President Mahama stressed.
He said ECOWAS had a renewed since of purpose which could be achieved if commits to “refining in the face of emerging challenges”.
President Mahama, who was also host of the summit, reminded the gathering that the regional entity had been formed in 1975 “to pursue our development not as isolated nations but as a united community”.
The event brought together several dignitaries from across the sub-region including President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Boakai; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs for Nigeria, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, leadership in Ghana’s Parliament and government officials in the Mahama administration.
Former President Akufo-Addo, who previously chaired ECOWAS, was also in attendance.
