The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has praised the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for its significant contributions to advancing the collective aspirations of West Africans.

He said this during the launch of the Golden Jubilee anniversary celebrations of ECOWAS at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

In his address, Mr Ablakwa reflected on the 50-year journey of ECOWAS, acknowledging both the challenges the organisation has overcome and the progress it has made in fostering regional integration.

He also paid tribute to the visionary leaders who helped lay the foundation for a united, prosperous, and peaceful West Africa.

“This 50th anniversary milestone offers us a valuable opportunity to reflect on the challenges we have overcome, the progress we have made, and the sacrifices of those who envisioned a united, prosperous, and peaceful West Africa,” Mr Ablakwa stated.

The Minister emphasised that the anniversary is not only a time for reflection but also for reaffirming ECOWAS’s unwavering commitment to the ideals upon which it was founded.

He called on all member states to continue working together towards the community's long-term goals.

“It is also a time to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the ideals upon which this community was founded,” he noted.

“As we launch these celebrations today, let us look forward together. The next chapter of ECOWAS must build on the foundation of the past while boldly embracing the future. We must consolidate our gains in peace and security, deepen economic and political integration, and foster inclusive growth that benefits every citizen of this sub-region,” he said.

He underscored the importance of unity and collaboration within ECOWAS. He emphasised that the success of the community depends on continued cooperation among its members.

“Only through sustained unity can ECOWAS secure a brighter and more prosperous future for all West Africans,” he concluded.