His Excellency Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, met with His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, at Jubilee House in Accra. The meeting included Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, and H.E. Gana Lawan, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana.
Dr. Touray updated President Mahama on ECOWAS affairs, discussing the withdrawal of AES countries and contingency measures taken. He also spoke about challenges faced by the organization and preparations for its 50th-anniversary celebrations. Plans for a Special Summit to promote inclusivity and set future directions were also highlighted.
President Touray congratulated President Mahama on his election victory and expressed the Commission’s dedication to working closely with his administration to advance ECOWAS’ goals in governance, economic development, regional integration, and security.
President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to ECOWAS and pledged support for its objectives. He thanked the ECOWAS Commission for its electoral support during Ghana’s December 2024 Presidential elections. He acknowledged benefits from Ghana’s membership in ECOWAS such as democracy advancements, free movement of people, trade liberalization under ETLS, peacekeeping efforts, and infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Abidjan Highway Corridor initiated during his first term.
Regarding AES countries’ withdrawal, President Mahama stressed dialogue’s importance for regional peace and security. He announced appointing a Special Envoy to facilitate engagement with AES countries towards reintegration into ECOWAS.
As ECOWAS approaches its 50th anniversary, President Mahama praised its achievements over the years. He informed Dr. Touray that Ghana has formed a committee and allocated funds for anniversary celebrations. The proposed inclusive regional Summit was welcomed as a means to reposition ECOWAS amid global changes.
President Mahama reiterated Ghana’s alignment with ECOWAS’ vision and commitment to enhancing regional cooperation for sustainable development and prosperity.
