Ghana offers 1,000 university scholarships to ECOWAS students to boost regional unity

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a new education initiative. This program aims to strengthen regional integration in West Africa.

Ghana will offer 1,000 university scholarships to students from ECOWAS member states. These scholarships will allow them to study at Ghanaian institutions.

The announcement was made during the ECOWAS 50th anniversary celebrations in Accra. The event took place on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. It focused on “Celebrating 50 Years of West African Unity and Integration.”

President Mahama highlighted that these scholarships will help connect West African youth. He stated, “This is not just a gesture of goodwill.” He added that it is an investment in the region's future.

He emphasized the importance of seeing each other as collaborators and friends. Regional diplomacy should include peace initiatives and shared development opportunities.

“Our drive for integration must expand into education and healthcare,” he said.

The scholarship program will be managed by Ghana’s public universities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration will oversee it.

The program aims to expose students to diverse cultures and academic excellence. It also seeks to foster a sense of shared identity among participants.

As ECOWAS celebrates its 50th anniversary since its founding in 1975, President Mahama urged leaders to prioritize people-centered policies. He stressed the importance of benefiting citizens, especially the younger generation, whom he called “the key to our collective future.”