H.E President Mahama Flags Off ECOWAS at 50 Golden Jubilee of Unity and Progress, Key Member States in attendance. By Raymond Enoch.
In a grand historic ceremony steeped in the city of Accra, the President of Ghana H.E. John Dramani Mahama, officially launched the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
Held under the theme “50 Years of Regional Integration: Forging Ahead Together,” the launch drew a distinguished gathering of political leaders, diplomats, civil society representatives, and traditional rulers from ECOWAS Member States. The event marked the beginning of a year-long commemoration of the regional bloc’s achievements, challenges, and future aspirations.
President Mahama, delivering an address at the Accra International Conference Centre, hailed ECOWAS as “a beacon of hope and resilience in a continent often defined by its trials,” emphasizing the critical role it has played in promoting peace, economic integration, and democratic governance across West Africa.
“Fifty years ago, our founding leaders envisioned a united, prosperous region where borders would not limit opportunity. Today, as we celebrate this golden jubilee, we are reminded that our collective strength lies in our unity,” Mahama declared to rousing applause.
The launch ceremony featured a symbolic unveiling of the ECOWAS@50 logo, along with cultural performances that reflected the rich and diverse heritage of West Africa. A commemorative flag-raising and the presentation of a special anniversary torch, which is set to tour all member states, were also highlights of the occasion.
Among those present were ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, Minister of State Foreign Affairs Representing Nigeria’s President and Chairman of ECOWAS H E Hon Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu Côte d’Ivoire’s Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, and host of other dignitaries who reaffirmed their commitment to the ECOWAS vision.
Dr. Touray commended the foresight of the founding fathers and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to deepening integration, especially in the areas of trade, infrastructure, youth development, and security.
In a symbolic gesture of unity, leaders planted a “Tree of Integration” in the ECOWAS Garden, with soil from each member state, representing solidarity and shared destiny.
As ECOWAS reflects on its 50-year journey—from its 1975 founding in Lagos to becoming a critical player in regional diplomacy and economic development—analysts say the golden jubilee presents a unique opportunity for introspection, renewal, and strategic realignment.
A series of activities, including academic conferences, youth summits, sporting events, and state visits, are planned throughout the year, culminating in a grand finale in Abuja, Nigeria, where ECOWAS was originally born.
For now, the spotlight remains on Accra, where history was made, and a new chapter in West African unity began.
