The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, in collaboration with the Media Response, a Non-Governmental Organization, conducted a workshop to enlighten stakeholders in the Upper West Region about the protocols of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The workshop aimed to deepen participants' understanding of ECOWAS protocols and its broader activities, offering insights into the pivotal role the regional bloc plays in the development and integration of the sub-region and Africa as a whole.
Ambassador Perpetual Dufu, the Coordinating Director/Multilateral and International Organisations at the Ministry emphasized the responsibility of ECOWAS in ensuring people appreciate the potential benefits of successful regional integration.
Representatives from various sectors, including traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, students, security agencies, and the media, participated in the workshop, the third in a series for the year and the second for the Upper West Region.
Participants were briefed on the ECOWAS structure, its Protocol on free movement and Transhumance, and the ECOWAS Brown Card, highlighting its importance to the community.
Ambassador Dufu mentioned that similar sensitization workshops were ongoing in all member states to enhance understanding of ECOWAS mandates and benefits.
She underscored the importance of regional integration in Ghana's foreign affairs policy, stating, “Regional integration is very important if we are to make any headway in our development as a continent.”
The formation of ECOWAS aimed to foster economic collaboration, elevate living standards, and ensure collective efforts in advancing economic prosperity among member states.
Ambassador Dufu acknowledged ECOWAS's successes, particularly in enabling the free movement of people within the region to improve trade relations and resolve conflicts within the community.
However, she expressed concern about the crossroads of economic development, insecurity, and political instability in the region, noting the challenges posed by coup d'états experienced in five member states from 2021 to 2023.
Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper West Regional Minister, emphasized the collective commitment of all stakeholders to regional integration and cooperation efforts.
He highlighted the potential for growth, prosperity, and sustainable development within the diverse cultures, traditions, and aspirations of the ECOWAS community.