Accra: Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana, ECOWAS Resident Representative to Ghana, has issued a warning that the West African regional bloc finds itself at a critical juncture. He emphasized the necessity for comprehensive reforms and renewed political commitment to maintain ECOWAS as a responsive and resilient entity amid escalating challenges.
According to Ghana News Agency, during the launch of the ECOWAS Policy Analysis Series (EPAS) in Accra, Ambassador Gana highlighted that despite achievements in trade liberalization and protocols on free movement, the implementation remains a significant challenge. He stressed the need for ECOWAS to be re-evaluated to address the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape effectively.
The policy dialogue, organized in collaboration with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI), and the Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD), gathered policymakers, researchers, civil society actors, youth leaders, and development partners. The event aimed to reflect on ECOWAS' 50-year journey and chart a forward-looking agenda under Vision 2050.
With over 60 participants from across West Africa, the event facilitated a dynamic exchange and co-creation of solutions. Ambassador Gana identified persistent challenges such as security instability, lack of infrastructure, weak policy harmonization, and limited economic diversification of member states. He also raised concerns about youth exclusion, visa inconsistencies, and climate vulnerability.
Ambassador Gana noted the competitive global environment and the rising geopolitical tensions, highlighting the influence of foreign actors like Russia, China, Turkey, and the Gulf States in West Africa. He urged ECOWAS to adapt and lead with vision, unity, and inclusion, emphasizing the need to transition from an organization of states to one of the people.
The launch event unveiled 14 policy papers, collectively known as the ECOWAS Policy Analysis Series, commissioned by the ECOWAS Commission with support from GIZ, Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the European Union. These papers cover thematic areas such as migration, democracy, gender, climate, digitalization, health, trade, peace and security, and ECOWAS institutional reform.
Chantel Kristin Bredua Lahmer from the German Embassy in Ghana echoed Ambassador Gana's call for deeper citizen engagement in regional governance. She stressed the importance of inclusive policymaking, open dialogue, trust, and effective communication, especially in an era marked by disinformation and declining confidence in institutions.
Ms. Lahmer highlighted the symbolic timing of the event, ahead of ECOWAS' 50th anniversary in May 2025 and 50 years of German-Ghanaian bilateral development cooperation, underscoring the enduring value of partnerships and shared commitment to democratic values and regional integration.
The broader project falls under the GIZ-implemented Support to the ECOWAS Commission on Organisational Development (ODII), aiming to enhance the Commission's effectiveness and communication. A BMZ-funded component focuses on countering misinformation and improving ECOWAS' internal and external communication.
Dr. Kojo Impraim, Director for Media for Peace and Social Cohesion at the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), challenged participants to evaluate ECOWAS' progress, opportunities, lessons, challenges, and reform strategies. He praised ECOWAS' historical role in peacebuilding and regional cooperation but noted stagnation in flagship initiatives.
Dr. Impraim emphasized the importance of digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and regional media in combating misinformation and enhancing democratic governance. He urged collaboration between civil society, media, and ECOWAS to counter violent extremism, safeguard digital rights, and support inclusive governance.
The event concluded with panel discussions and breakout sessions focused on the 14 thematic areas, where authors of the policy papers presented their research and engaged with participants, receiving feedback and suggestions in moderated dialogues.
