By Bill W. Cooper
Ghanaian President John Mahama has announced 1,000 scholarships for youth of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member states to study at any Ghanaian University.
The scholarships, which are aimed at fostering regional integration and educational advancement, will enable students to pursue higher education at any accredited university in Ghana, a move that underscores the country’s commitment to regional cooperation and development.
The Ghanaian President also disclosed that the scholarship scheme is a show of Ghana’s commitment to empowering young people of the region to continue the vision of ECOWAS which it was established.
According to an ELBC report, President Mahama spoke yesterday, April 22, 2025, during the launch of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the ECOWAS in Accra, Ghana.
President Mahama, including Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai, along with other Heads of State and Government, convened yesterday to launch the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee at the Accra International Conference Centre.
The extraordinary session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers is being held against the backdrop of the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional body, a move that many described as a threat to the region.
It can be recalled that Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger this year, formally withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional bloc.
The military-led governments in the three West African nations decided to withdraw from the bloc, and formed their security alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States, in September of 2023, bringing ECOWAS members to 12.
According to a statement by ECOWAS, the withdrawal “has become effective today” but it has kept the “doors open.”
It requested the members to continue to provide the three countries privileges of membership, including free movement within the region with an ECOWAS passport and trade benefits “in the spirit of regional solidarity and the interest of the people.”
In his remark, President Mahama further argued that diplomatic engagements with the three countries must continue without any resentment, thus urging his colleagues to use soft power diplomacy to keep the region stable, peaceful, and together.
He further emphasized the importance of education as a catalyst for economic growth and social development, noting, “Education is the bedrock of any society, and by investing in the youth of ECOWAS, we are not only empowering individuals but also strengthening the ties that bind our nations together.
The President, at the same time, highlighted the significance of educational exchange in promoting peace and stability in the region and asserted, “By providing opportunities for our youth to study together, we are nurturing a generation that understands the value of collaboration and mutual respect.”
“This initiative will not only enhance academic excellence but also foster cultural exchange and understanding among our nations, as this initiative is also a testament to Ghana’s dedication to fostering a brighter future for the entire West African region,” President Mahama added.
For his part, the ECOWAS Commission President, Dr Omar Alieu Tourey, remarked that a series of events are expected to take place in member countries as part of the year-long celebrations.
Dr Touray said ECOWAS is the most vibrant and integrated bloc on the continent of Africa, with specific reference to visa-free movement, residency and trade as some benefits being enjoyed by ECOWAS citizens.
He further narrated that the Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) is the ultimate source of resource generation for which member states must comply, and disclosed a 25-year Master Plan, with 200 projects for implementation at the cost of close to US$ 1 billion.
Dr Touray, however, described the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali from ECOWAS as regrettable and a challenge to the organization but called on ECOWAS members to ensure that peace and Unity prevail across the region.
