The 45th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of States and Government has opened in the Ghanaian capital, Accra.

The one-day summit will discuss security, a recommendation for the introduction of biometric ID cards for all ECOWAS citizens and the abolition of residence permit requirements for citizens within member states.

ECOWAS Chairman and President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, opened the Summit.

He said the introduction of the ECOWAS common biometric ID cards should enhance the free movement of people and goods across West Africa.

According to him, its verification features should make it easy for verification anytime and anywhere in the sub region.

“As registered ECOWAS community citizens, our people should be able to move freely in west Africa and enjoy the opportunities opening up in our member states,” he said.

Great opportunities, he added “lie ahead of us for creating a prosperous life for our people. But we can only reap these dividends   if we have peace and security.”

The ECOWAS Chairman expressed worry about the Ebola virus and called for the contribution of urgently needed resources to speed up the containment effort.

“We must scale up our efforts and power to defeat this deadly disease. We must exercise vigilance and caution and avoid any panic or misinformation.”

He challenged both national and regional medical research institutions to intensify efforts in finding a cure for the virus.

Additionally, he said they have had briefings from the ECOWAS Monetary Task Force on the establishment of the single ECOWAS currency.