The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has asked students in senior high schools and tertiary institutions in the country to be abreast of the protocols and policies of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to derive the maximum benefits.
Among the protocols and policies are the free movement of citizens across member states, who can also stay and establish businesses, free movement of vehicles for up to 90 days, as well as the introduction of a common passport, which is yet to be accomplished.
The protocol also included democracy and good governance aimed at enhancing peace and security, promotion of democratic principles and human rights in member countries, as well as establishing a framework for ECOWAS to intervene militarily and politically in member countries during times of instability.
The Coordinating Director, Multilateral and International Organisation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francis Danti Kotia, made the call at a regional sensitisation seminar on ECOWAS protocols for students in SHS and tertiary educational institutions in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, last Tuesday.
The seminar, held on the theme: "ECOWAS of the People: Peace and Prosperity for All, was organised by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, in collaboration with the Media Response and the Regional Coordinating Councils.
The aim of the seminar was to enlighten the students on the role, vision and protocols of the ECOWAS as well as the opportunities to be derived from the regional body.
Enabling environment
Mr Danti Kotia stated that the future of economic growth of the region relied heavily on innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development, which ECOWAS was working on to create an enabling environment for students who would be young entrepreneurs and professionals in the future.
The students in Koforidua
He advised that as students they should harness the momentum to develop their talents, build networks across borders within the region and contribute meaningfully to the shared prosperity of the region.
Mr Kotia, therefore, encouraged the students to learn more about ECOWAS, its values, structures and opportunities and at the same time participate actively in youth fora, debates and initiatives that would promote regional cooperation.
Connection
The students, he said, should use technology and innovation to connect with their peers across the sub-region and champion peace and tolerance because without peace, there would be no meaningful development.
The Resident Representative of ECOWAS in Ghana, Lawan Gana, who gave an overview of ECOWAS, told the students that the organisation, which was established in 1975 with 15 member states currently had 12 countries because three Sahelian nations, Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, had withdrawn due to some circumstances.
However, he stated that efforts were being made to bring back such countries into the fold of ECOWAS.
Ignite curiosity
The Deputy Director in charge of Administration at the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), Rachel Adwoa Amofa, who read a speech on behalf of the Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, said the seminar would ignite curiosity, deepen understanding and inspire active participation of students in the regional integration process.
She commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration for choosing Koforidua, the regional capital, as the venue for the programme.
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