- The Ghanaian President takes over the charge from President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger
- The 57th Summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) took place in Niamey, capital of Niger.
The 57th Summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) that took place in Niamey, capital of Niger announced the election of the President Akufo-Addo of Ghana as the new Chairman of ECOWAS.
The Ghanaian President takes over the charge from President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger. Addressing the Summit, President Akufo-Addo underlined the challenges confronting West Africa and the progress made so far to drive the agenda of regional integration. He acknowledged the significant contribution made by the past leaders of ECOWAS through their collective will and determination to drive the agenda of regional integration. Through their efforts, economic frontiers were opened, encouraging healthy competition amongst the Member States, and ensuring that all adhere to formative principles he said.
The President noted that remarkable progress has been achieved since the establishment of ECOWAS, some forty-five years ago. However, more efforts were necessary to consolidate the socio-economic and political gains made over the years. He underlined the need for nurturing a spirit of genuine cooperation and solidarity, to overcome challenges such as security, economy, trade, currency, and health.
The Ghanaian President emphasised the need to protect, the grouping’s independence to ensure that it responds to the needs and aspirations of the peoples, and not to the goals of external agencies and forces.
