Ghana has extended invitations to the military-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to attend the launch of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), scheduled for April 22, 2025, in Accra.
President John Dramani Mahama, who will host the event, is leading the effort to include the three Sahel nations despite their recent withdrawal from ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The invitation is being positioned as a diplomatic gesture aimed at restoring regional dialogue and unity.
At a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described the outreach as a “gesture of reconciliation,” emphasizing Ghana’s commitment to bridging divides and promoting peaceful engagement.
“Ghana believes in dialogue, not disengagement,” Ablakwa stated. “This invitation reflects our unwavering dedication to peace, regional cooperation, and the shared future of all West Africans.”
The launch of the ECOWAS@50 celebrations at the Accra International Conference Centre will mark a significant milestone for the regional bloc, which was founded on May 28, 1975, with the goal of advancing economic integration and political collaboration among West African nations.
The ceremony will include the unveiling of a commemorative logo and the announcement of a year-long Jubilee theme. High-level attendees are expected, including Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, other regional leaders, and representatives from international development agencies.