President John Dramani Mahama, has extended an invitation to the military juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to attend the official launch of 50 years of ECOWAS’s establishment in Accra.
Addressing the press on Thursday, April 17, 2025, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stated that the invitation to the Heads of State from the Sahel bloc is a step towards building bridges and collaborating to strengthen the West African sub‑region.
On January 29 2025, the three countries formally withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after providing the required one year notice.
Ghana will host the official launch of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on April 22, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
The event marks a significant milestone for the West African regional bloc, which was founded on May 28, 1975.
Ghana’s selection as host is being hailed as a well‑deserved recognition of the country’s historical leadership in Pan‑Africanism, regional integration, and diplomacy.
According to the minister, the launch ceremony will be graced by key dignitaries including the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria; the President of the ECOWAS Commission; Heads of State and Government from member countries; and representatives of regional and international partner organisations.
