The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) has addressed recent false and misleading information published in various national newspapers and online platforms regarding the appointment of an ECOWAS Youth Ambassador.
The publications claimed that the West African Youth Council announced the appointment in an official letter to the award recipient, with recognition from the ECOWAS Commission.
To clarify, the ECOWAS Commission stated unequivocally that:
- The appointment of the Youth Ambassador by the West African Youth Council was neither done in consultation nor collaboration with the Commission.
- The appointment did not originate from the ECOWAS Commission or any of its institutions or agencies, nor did the Commission authorize such an appointment, as it does not currently have such a program among its youth promotion and empowerment initiatives.
- The ECOWAS Commission does not confer awards to individuals, government, or corporate organizations by proxy.
- The ECOWAS Commission is not involved with the appointment of a Youth Ambassador by the West African Youth Council.
The ECOWAS Commission urges members of the community and the general public to disregard any publication linking it with this appointment. It also calls on individuals and organizations to desist from unauthorized use of its name and logo or any form of misrepresentation.
Additionally, the ECOWAS Commission advises media outlets and the general public to confirm any information concerning the Commission or its institutions from their Communication Directorate before dissemination.