Heads of state and the Council of Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) have converged on the Accra International Conference Centre for an extraordinary meeting as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration of the regional bloc.

The anniversary marks a historic moment for the bloc, which was established on May 28, 1975 to promote economic integration and political cooperation across West Africa.

Host

The event, being hosted by President John Dramani Mahama features the unveiling of a new anniversary logo and the announcement of the year-long Jubilee theme.

Expected dignitaries include Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, other regional leaders, and international development partners.

President Mahama has invited the military-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to the 50th anniversary launch of ECOWAS.

Press briefing

At a press briefing in Accra, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the invitation extended to the three countries was a “gesture of reconciliation,” aimed at bridging divisions and restoring dialogue with the three Sahel nations, which recently announced their withdrawal from the regional bloc to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

He added it was in a diplomatic move aimed at fostering dialogue and healing regional divisions.

Mr. Ablakwa underscored the importance of regional unity in the face of emerging threats, stressing that Ghana believes in dialogue, not disengagement. This invitation reflects the nation's commitment to peace, regional cooperation, and the shared destiny of West Africans.