Accra is set to become the focal point of regional celebration on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) officially launches its 50th anniversary commemorations in Ghana’s capital city. 

The event will be graced by President John Dramani Mahama, who will lead the formal commencement of activities marking the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee.

The ceremony is expected to attract ministers and dignitaries from all fifteen ECOWAS Member States, making it a major diplomatic and cultural gathering in the region. Accra will be adorned in the official colours of ECOWAS as the city hosts the inaugural festivities, which will set the tone for similar events to be held in each Member State throughout the year.

In a statement released by ECOWAS, it was confirmed that “The President of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani MAHAMA, will kick off the activities planned as part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS.”

The launch event in Accra will feature “a series of colourful performances, including the presentation of the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee logo and theme, as well as artistic and cultural performances recounting the history of ECOWAS from its creation in Lagos by the Founding Fathers, through its various reforms to the successes and major achievements in the Member States.”

The regional bloc, which was established on 28 May 1975 in Lagos, Nigeria, has evolved into what is now widely regarded as the best organised Regional Economic Community in Africa. It boasts of key achievements and ongoing programmes aimed at deepening regional integration and improving the socio-economic development of its Member States.

In preparation for the Golden Jubilee, “the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government strongly recommended that the institution’s 50th anniversary be celebrated with great visibility in each Member State.” 

As part of this directive, the ECOWAS Administrative and Financial Committee convened virtually in February 2025 to approve the programme of activities that will unfold across the region.