Marking 50 Years of Transformation: ECOWAS Celebrates Its Golden Jubilee

On April 22, 2025, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will proudly kick off a series of activities to celebrate its 50th anniversary in the vibrant city of Accra, Ghana. This momentous occasion not only marks a significant milestone but also serves as a poignant reminder of the progress achieved and the challenges that lie ahead.

As the distinguished guests gather for the Golden Jubilee launch, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, extends a heartfelt welcome. His words resonate deeply, reaffirming Ghana’s steadfast commitment to the political and economic liberation of West Africa. “Fifty years on, ECOWAS has every reason to celebrate its evolvement from a modest economic cooperation framework into a dynamic, multifaceted regional community, championing not only economic integration but also peace, security, and social development,” he expressed passionately. How remarkable to witness such growth over five decades!

Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, took the stage next, reflecting on the monumental strides made by the community. His address illuminated the remarkable progress in critical areas such as peacekeeping, trade liberalization, and infrastructure development. With a twinkle in his eye, he recounted key milestones like the Free Movement Protocol and the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme, which has significantly benefited over 15,000 companies across the region. He highlighted ambitious infrastructure projects like the Lagos–Abidjan and Abidjan–Praia corridors—tangible connections that not only facilitate trade but also bind communities together.

In a world teeming with conflicts, Dr. Touray took a moment to reflect on ECOWAS’s dedicated peace efforts. Drawing on the success stories of Liberia, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and The Gambia, he noted the milestone of zero piracy incidents reported in 2024. “Our objective is to celebrate, reflect and recalibrate our community,” he stated, urging members to recognize the journey they have collectively undertaken while considering the path ahead.

Further echoing this sentiment, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, the Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, paid tribute to five decades marked by regional unity and progress. “This moment calls for a renewed commitment to fostering unity and solidarity among Member States,” he declared—an inspiring reminder that the heart of ECOWAS pulsates with the energy of its member countries, each contributing to a larger, harmonious whole.

Underpinning this celebration is a strong call to action for future endeavors. Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to democracy and regional solidarity, stressing the importance of building stronger institutions, empowering youth, and accelerating integration. The introduction of a single currency and enhanced infrastructure stands as a beacon of hope for the future. One has to wonder, how might these initiatives reshape the socio-economic landscape of West Africa in the years to come?

President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana further emphasized a crucial aspect: the need for ECOWAS to remain connected to the citizens it serves. “Community citizens must feel that ECOWAS is not just some bureaucracy, but a living organization that understands their hopes and aspirations,” he remarked, authentically addressing the very essence of what a community should represent. His commitment to empowering youth is commendable, as he announced the provision of 1,000 scholarships for young people from across the ECOWAS region. Providing access to higher education in Ghanaian universities is a significant step toward cultivating a new generation of West African leaders.

This report, graciously distributed by the APO Group on behalf of ECOWAS, serves as a reminder of the rich history that has shaped the community. ECOWAS was birthed when the Heads of State and Government of 15 West African nations came together to sign the ECOWAS Treaty on May 28, 1975, in Lagos, Nigeria. These nations—Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Togo—crafted a vision for collaboration that has evolved over the decades into the robust partnership we see today. It is incredible to think how far we have come, yet how far we still have to go!

As we stand on the threshold of this Golden Jubilee, it is time to reflect, recalibrate, and renew our commitments. After all, as the old adage goes, “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second-best time is now.” Let this celebration of ECOWAS’s past spur us toward innovative, inclusive, and sustainable strides for the future.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring