Mahama invites Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Leaders to ECOWAS@50 Launch

President John Dramani Mahama has invited military leaders from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. They are invited to the launch of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary in Accra.

On April 17, 2025, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa spoke to the press. He said this invitation aims to build bridges and strengthen collaboration in West Africa.

Ghana will host the official launch on April 22, 2025. The event will take place at the Accra International Conference Centre. This marks a significant milestone for ECOWAS, founded on May 28, 1975.

Ghana's selection as host recognizes its leadership in Pan-Africanism and diplomacy. Key dignitaries will attend the ceremony. These include Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria's President and Chairman of ECOWAS Authority.

The event will also feature the President of the ECOWAS Commission and other heads of state. Ghana's President Mahama will officially host the launch.

During the launch, ECOWAS will unveil its 50th-anniversary logo. The official theme for Jubilee Celebrations will also be announced. This event kicks off a year-long series of commemorative activities across member states.

Afterward, Ghana will hold an Extraordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers on April 22-23. Foreign and finance ministers will discuss pressing regional issues like Mali's withdrawal from ECOWAS.

A report will be prepared for consideration by ECOWAS Heads of State. Minister Ablakwa emphasized that while this withdrawal is challenging, it calls for enhanced diplomacy within ECOWAS.

He praised ECOWAS’s achievements over five decades in trade and peacekeeping efforts. Successful initiatives include the Trade Liberalisation Scheme and major infrastructure projects like the West African Power Pool.

Ablakwa highlighted that regional integration impacts people's lives directly: entrepreneurs, students, and peacekeepers alike benefit from it.

To ensure a successful celebration, Ghana has formed a Planning Committee led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This committee collaborates with the ECOWAS Commission and other stakeholders.

While most costs are covered by ECOWAS, Ghana is committed to logistical support and security measures.

“This Jubilee is not just a commemoration — it is a call to action,” said Ablakwa. He urged everyone to rekindle hope in ECOWAS’s vision for future progress.

With West Africa looking to Ghana for leadership, the nation is ready to celebrate ECOWAS@50 with pride and unity.