President John Dramani Mahama has urged West African leaders to close ranks and strengthen regional cooperation, insisting that political differences must never derail the collective pursuit of peace, stability and development.
Speaking at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Sierra Leone, President Mahama said sustained dialogue among ECOWAS member states, the Alliance of Sahel States and other regional partners is vital to building a more resilient and united region.
He warned that without peace, economic transformation will remain out of reach, stressing that terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime continue to threaten the region’s progress.
Mahama highlighted the ECOWAS Compact as a clear roadmap for the bloc’s future—anchored on peace and security, sustainable economic transformation, science and technology, youth and women empowerment, institutional reforms, strategic autonomy and democracy.
He called on member states to move beyond lofty declarations and ensure full implementation of regional decisions that deliver real benefits to citizens.
The President also underscored the need for bold investments in science, technology and innovation—including artificial intelligence, digital transformation and modern production systems—to position West Africa competitively in the global economy.
On democratic governance, he noted that citizens increasingly demand accountability, jobs, social inclusion and improved public services, emphasising that democracy must produce meaningful outcomes beyond periodic elections.
Mahama said the future of ECOWAS must be shaped not only in conference halls but in classrooms, farms, factories, research centres, innovation hubs and communities across the region.
He condemned recent xenophobic attacks against Africans in South Africa and welcomed ECOWAS’ support for Ghana’s petition to raise the matter before the African Union.
“Africa’s liberation was achieved through solidarity across our borders. We must never allow that proud legacy to be weakened by intolerance,” he said.
President Mahama commended Sierra Leone for hosting the summit and thanked President Julius Maada Bio for his solidarity following the recent floods in Ghana that claimed 39 lives.
He also praised ECOWAS for beginning construction of the Ultra‑Portable Logistics Depot in Lungi, describing it as a strategic investment that will boost emergency response capacity and enhance the operational readiness of the ECOWAS Standby Force.
Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working with regional partners to advance peace, prosperity and deeper integration across West Africa.
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