The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched its 50th anniversary celebrations with a renewed commitment to deeper integration, prosperity, and stability across West Africa, underscoring the unity and shared vision that have defined the bloc since its founding in 1975.
The launch, which took place in Accra, Ghana, marked the beginning of a series of activities to be held in each Member State.
These events are intended to give concrete expression to the ideal of “ECOWAS of the People.”
On May 28, 1975, the dream of a united, integrated, and prosperous West Africa became a reality as leaders of 15 West African countries gathered in Lagos, Nigeria, to establish a regional organization capable of addressing the region’s economic, socio-political, and security challenges. Today, ECOWAS stands as a symbol of unity and hope for over 400 million people across West Africa.
Declaring the launch event open, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, stated that the 50th anniversary celebrations are intended to celebrate, reflect, preserve, and build on the gains of regional integration for the people.
He noted that ECOWAS has played a key role in uniting the diverse nations of the region.
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He reaffirmed the bloc’s ongoing commitment to enhancing trade, security, and political stability in West Africa.
“Over the last 50 years, ECOWAS has been at the forefront of driving regional integration, striving to ensure that the collective needs of West Africa are addressed, and our shared vision for peace and prosperity is realized. The celebrations of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary must go hand-in-hand with reflection and recalibration. Nothing is worth celebrating more than ECOWAS’s role in peace and security. We must also invest in peace. The terrorist menace, which constitutes a key driver of insecurity in the region, knows no borders. This makes regional security collaboration imperative,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government and Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the fundamental principles that bind the regional bloc.
“Our region continues to grapple with new and evolving threats — violent extremism, climate change, and food insecurity. The wave of unconstitutional changes of government seriously threatens the democratic gains we have painstakingly built. This moment calls for a renewed commitment to fostering unity and solidarity among Member States. It is a time to strengthen the bonds that tie us together through shared values, collective responsibility, and a common vision for a prosperous region.
“As the current Chair of ECOWAS, I reaffirm Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the fundamental principles that bind us: democracy, the rule of law, good governance, and regional solidarity. These are not just ideals; they are the foundation for peace, development, and the dignity of our people.”
Ghana’s President, John Mahama, also emphasized ECOWAS’s success in demonstrating that African solutions through African diplomacy are not only viable but effective.
“Diplomacy and solidarity must remain our first and strongest line of defense. Ghana stands ready to serve as the bridge to help re-knit the fabric of West African unity. We believe that through sustained dialogue, patient diplomacy, and principled negotiation, we can restore cohesion and rebuild trust in our community.
“This period calls for even greater solidarity and understanding of the difficult challenges confronting our brothers in the Sahel. Diplomacy is not only about resolving disputes; it is about creating the conditions for peace, inclusion, and progress. It is about fostering mutual respect and advancing our common interests. In this regard, our commitment to integration through diplomacy must extend to economic, social, and cultural dimensions.”
President Mahama further announced that Ghana would offer scholarships to university students from across the ECOWAS region as a demonstration of solidarity and commitment to the region’s future.
“To mark this moment and strengthen regional bonds, Ghana is offering 1,000 scholarships to tertiary students from across the ECOWAS region to study in our universities. This is not just a gesture- it is an act of solidarity. It is a bridge to a future where our young people will grow up seeing each other not as foreigners, but as partners.”
As part of the launch, ECOWAS unveiled its official Golden Jubilee logo and theme, setting the tone for a year-long series of commemorative events across the sub-region.
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