A four-day engagement between the Government of Ghana and the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre has ended with a renewed commitment to advancing women and youth participation in politics and strengthening inclusive governance across West Africa.

The programme, coordinated by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, concluded with a High-Level Regional Consultation and Advocacy Meeting that brought together ECOWAS representatives, government officials and key stakeholders to deliberate on practical steps to enhance democratic participation within the sub-region.

Addressing the closing ceremony, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang urged leaders to intensify efforts to create meaningful political opportunities for women and young people.

She emphasised that commitments must translate into concrete action that enables broader participation in governance and decision-making processes.

She noted that while regional frameworks such as the ECOWAS Gender and Youth Policy exist, representation of women and youth in leadership and decision-making spaces remains low.

According to her, inclusion should not be symbolic but treated as a strategic necessity for democratic consolidation and sustainable development in the region.

Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, reaffirmed Ghana’s dedication to sustaining partnerships that promote the rights and welfare of women and vulnerable groups.

ECOWAS representatives expressed appreciation to Ghana for hosting the consultation, describing the outcomes as a significant step toward deeper regional cooperation and inclusive democratic growth in West Africa.