President John Dramani Mahama has urged West African nations to embrace renewed dialogue and cooperation, stressing that the region’s future lies in unity and not isolation.

Speaking at the launch of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS's) 50th anniversary celebrations on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, he emphasised the need for rebuilding trust within the regional bloc to ensure its continued relevance in the years ahead.

The event, held on the theme: “Celebrating 50 Years of West African Unity and Integration,” saw leaders and diplomats from across the sub-region come together to reflect on the history of ECOWAS since its founding in 1975.

“ECOWAS has grown into a major diplomatic force in Africa,” President Mahama said. “Our founding fathers chose cooperation over rivalry, and this principle must guide us as we confront the challenges ahead.”

He acknowledged the complexities facing the region, including rising insecurity, political instability and economic imbalances that have made regional cooperation more challenging.

The President also addressed the recent withdrawals of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS, describing it as a regrettable situation but one that could be overcome with continued diplomatic efforts.

“We must not respond with isolation or recrimination,” Mahama stated. “Our first and most important response must be dialogue, and we must keep the lines of communication open. Ghana is engaging with the Sahelian states to rebuild trust and reaffirm our shared vision for West Africa’s future.”

He underscored Ghana’s diplomatic efforts, including the appointment of a special envoy to lead high-level talks with the affected nations.

President Mahama reiterated that Ghana was committed to playing a role in restoring unity within the ECOWAS family.

“Unity, though difficult, remains the best path to shared prosperity and stability in the region,” he said.

The President also called for ECOWAS to broaden its scope beyond conflict resolution, advocating greater focus on economic, social and cultural integration.

He suggested that regional solidarity should extend to areas such as trade negotiations, free movement of people, and cooperation in education and health care.

“The success of ECOWAS will not be measured solely by political or economic achievements, but by its ability to foster lasting bonds between our peoples,” Mahama said. “Diplomacy must always serve the interests of our people and create conditions for peace and inclusion.”

As ECOWAS marks five decades of existence, President Mahama urged member states to embrace a future shaped by dialogue, unity and shared purpose, ensuring that the diplomatic legacy built over the years is preserved.

“Let this anniversary be a turning point for a stronger, more united ECOWAS,” he concluded.