President Mahama, ECOWAS Commission President Discuss Regional Security, Integration and Single Currency
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to regional integration and efforts to strengthen cooperation among West African countries during a meeting with the new President of the ECOWAS Commission, General Birame Diop, at the Presidency in Accra.
The meeting, held during General Diop’s familiarisation visit to Ghana, focused on regional security, economic cooperation and preparations for the 70th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for next month.
The two leaders discussed a range of issues, including the growing threat of violent extremism and terrorism, the implementation of key regional infrastructure projects, intra-regional trade and security cooperation.
They also considered progress towards the introduction of the proposed single regional currency, the Eco, as part of efforts to deepen economic integration and facilitate trade among member states.
Briefing the media after the meeting, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said President Mahama and General Diop acknowledged the increasing threat posed by terrorist activities and violent extremism across the sub-region.
He said the two leaders agreed on the need for well-coordinated regional responses to address the threats, which often extend beyond national borders and require cooperation among neighbouring countries.
On regional integration, President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the founding vision of ECOWAS, established in 1975, and called for sustained dialogue to rebuild trust and strengthen relations with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The President also pledged Ghana’s readiness to host the proposed West African Central Bank and the West African Monetary Institute, which are expected to provide the institutional support needed for the introduction of the single regional currency.
The proposed Eco is intended to facilitate cross-border transactions, reduce trade barriers and strengthen economic cooperation among countries in the region.
On infrastructure development, President Mahama pledged that Ghana would make an allocation in its 2027 national budget towards the construction of its section of the Lagos-Abidjan Corridor Highway project.
The highway is one of the major regional integration projects expected to improve road connectivity and facilitate the movement of people, goods and services along the West African coast.
The discussions also covered ways to increase intra-regional trade and strengthen security cooperation as ECOWAS works towards addressing shared economic and security challenges.
For his part, General Diop commended President Mahama for providing a platform for engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States and pledged to build on the efforts to improve relations between the regional bloc and the Sahel countries.
He also praised Ghana for keeping up to date with its financial contributions to ECOWAS, recognising the country’s support for the work and operations of the regional organisation.
The meeting forms part of engagements ahead of the 70th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, which is expected to consider key issues concerning regional security, political cooperation and economic integration.
Through the discussions, Ghana reiterated its support for strengthening ECOWAS institutions, improving relations with neighbouring countries and advancing regional projects that promote shared development across West Africa.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
