Accra: The AfriKan Continental Union Consult (ACUC), a think-tank focused on African good governance, has commended President John Dramani Mahama for his recent announcement regarding the provision of 1000 scholarships to tertiary students within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Sub-region.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama unveiled the scholarship initiative during the launch of the ECOWAS@50 Anniversary Celebration and the unveiling of the Anniversary Logo in Accra. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen regional bonds within ECOWAS. Dr. Benjamin Anyagre Aziginaateeg, the Chief Executive Officer of ACUC, expressed that offering these scholarships to students from the sub-region to study in Ghanaian universities is a positive step toward rejuvenating the spirit of ECOWAS.
Dr. Aziginaateeg emphasized that the effectiveness of this initiative would hinge on the curriculum and learning outcomes at the universities, noting that they should align with Pan-African aspirations. He drew parallels to historical precedents, citing Fidel Castro’s educational support for Africans in Cuba during the late 1970s, which contributed to professional development across many African nations. Similarly, he referenced Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who emphasized training Africans as a means to foster patriotic human resources for the continent’s growth post-colonial rule.
Reflecting on ECOWAS’ 50-year history, Dr. Aziginaateeg pointed out challenges, such as trust issues, disunity, and constitutional coups, which have hindered the organization’s progress. He highlighted the inaction on ECOWAS protocols, which include free movement, equality, inter-dependence of member states, and the use of a common currency.
He further noted barriers to the free movement of people due to historical structural divisions and criticized the sub-region’s democratic processes, often marred by fraudulent elections and constitutional coups. Dr. Aziginaateeg proposed that ECOWAS could revitalize its founding principles by supporting the Sahel Alliance Confederate Flag, promoting equality, solidarity, and self-sovereignty.
Moreover, he warned sub-regional leaders about the widespread support for the Sahelian Cultural revolution and the potential consequences of neglecting good governance, which could lead to public discontent. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary, he urged leaders gathered in Accra to issue a communique condemning external capitalist influences undermining the administrations of Quagadogou, Niamey, and Bamako.
Dr. Aziginaateeg called for leaders to engage in self-evaluation, reflection, and constructive criticism to assess whether the sub-region is fulfilling its mission after 50 years of deliberations. He questioned the political and economic stability of member states and pressed for a reset of the ECOWAS community to ensure its relevance and impact.
