ECOWAS Session Highlights Ghana’s Successful Transition as a Model for Regional Stability
In a significant address at the 66th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria emphasized the importance of drawing lessons from Ghana’s recent peaceful elections, which he hailed as a testament to the country’s democratic maturity and commitment to national unity.
During his opening remarks on Sunday, President Tinubu praised Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and the citizens of Ghana for the successful presidential and parliamentary elections conducted on December 7, 2024. He described this electoral process as setting a high standard for the West African region, urging fellow leaders to adopt similar democratic practices to promote political stability and unity across their nations.
“I urge all of us in the region to learn from this good democratic practice and prioritize our country’s national unity,” President Tinubu stated, stressing the need for peaceful transitions to become a cultural norm in West Africa and throughout the African continent.
Despite facing challenges related to interrupted democratic governance in some West African countries, President Tinubu acknowledged the region’s progress. He highlighted the commendable actions of Ghana’s incumbent Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia, who accepted the election results and congratulated President-elect John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress, even before the official announcement—a gesture that reflects political maturity and respect for the electorate.
In his remarks, President Tinubu lauded President Akufo-Addo for his steadfast leadership and support for ECOWAS during his two-year term, calling him a formidable Pan-Africanist. He also extended congratulations to the government and people of Senegal for their successful parliamentary elections and recognized Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayokor Botchwey, for her leadership of the ECOWAS Ministerial Committee on Reform.
The Nigerian President, now in his second term as ECOWAS Chair, reviewed the achievements of his first term, emphasizing progress in regional integration, economic growth, conflict resolution, and counterterrorism efforts. He noted that initiatives like the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and the Common External Tariff have strengthened trade relations within the region.
President Tinubu also highlighted various infrastructure projects, including the West African Gas Pipeline and the West Africa Power Pool, which have improved connectivity and facilitated regional integration. He reiterated the importance of peacekeeping missions in countries like The Gambia and Guinea Bissau, underscoring ECOWAS’s capacity to respond decisively to regional crises.
As ECOWAS approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, President Tinubu called on member states to reaffirm their commitment to the bloc’s founding principles of economic integration, peace, and prosperity. He articulated the organization’s fundamental responsibility to protect citizens and foster an environment conducive to their prosperity.
The session was attended by leaders from various West African nations, including the Presidents of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, and Senegal, along with representatives from Sierra Leone, Benin Republic, Togo, and Cape Verde.
In a show of financial commitment, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, commended Nigeria for paying 100% of its community levy for 2023, marking a significant milestone in the country’s leadership under President Tinubu. He urged other member states to fulfill their financial obligations to strengthen the community.
