Ghana’s outgoing President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in a farewell address at the ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Abuja, Nigeria, urged the regional bloc to remain unwavering in its pursuit of integration, peace, and development.
Speaking as he prepares to step down from office on January 7, 2025, Akufo-Addo reflected on his tenure and laid out his vision for the future of ECOWAS.
Akufo-Addo, who has served two terms as Ghana’s president, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with his fellow leaders, particularly during his tenure as Chair of ECOWAS. He recounted the challenges faced by the region, including terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government, economic instability, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, he commended the resilience and solidarity of ECOWAS, which, he said, demonstrated the strength of the community.
Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of regional integration, describing it as vital to unlocking West Africa’s economic potential. He called on ECOWAS to intensify efforts toward achieving a single currency, dismantling trade barriers, and facilitating the free movement of people and goods. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), he noted, presents an unprecedented opportunity for economic transformation, and ECOWAS should lead the charge.
The outgoing president also underscored the centrality of peace and security to the region’s progress. He pointed to the growing threats of terrorism, violent extremism, and unconstitutional governance, which undermine stability and development. While progress has been made in addressing these challenges, he emphasised the need for stronger conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms.
Akufo-Addo further highlighted the urgent need to reintegrate Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea into ECOWAS. Describing these nations as foundational members, he expressed optimism that dialogue and mutual understanding could restore their full participation in the bloc.
Acknowledging the region’s demographic strengths, Akufo-Addo urged leaders to focus on empowering youth and women, who he described as the drivers of West Africa’s progress. Investment in education, healthcare, technology, and entrepreneurship, he said, is crucial to harnessing their potential.
On the global stage, he called for ECOWAS to advocate for the reform of international governance and financial institutions to reflect contemporary realities. He criticized existing structures as outdated and inequitable, urging collective action to ensure Africa’s voice is heard and its interests protected.
He also stressed on the existential threat of climate change, which disproportionately affects West Africa. He called for regional cooperation in renewable energy, climate-resilient agriculture, and sustainable practices, alongside robust advocacy for climate justice on the global stage.