Ghana’s capital city, Accra, is poised to be the center of regional attention next Tuesday, April 22, 2025, as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) officially commences its 50th-anniversary celebrations.
The landmark event will be graced by the President of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, who will preside over the formal launch of the activities marking the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee.
The ceremony is anticipated to draw a distinguished gathering of ministers and high-ranking officials from all fifteen ECOWAS Member States, making it a significant diplomatic and cultural event for the West African region. Accra will be adorned in the official colors of ECOWAS as it hosts these inaugural festivities, which will set the stage for similar commemorative events to be held in each Member State throughout the year.
In an official 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 scheduled in Accra will feature “a series of vibrant performances, including the unveiling of the official ECOWAS Golden Jubilee logo and theme, as well as captivating artistic and cultural presentations that will recount the history of ECOWAS from its inception in Lagos by the Founding Fathers, through its various reforms, highlighting its successes and major achievements across the Member States.”
Established on 28 May 1975 in Lagos, Nigeria, the regional bloc has grown into what is widely recognized as the most effectively organized Regional Economic Community in Africa. It boasts numerous key achievements and ongoing initiatives aimed at deepening regional integration and fostering the socio-economic development of its Member States.
In preparation for this significant Golden Jubilee, “the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government strongly recommended that the institution’s 50th anniversary be celebrated with high visibility in each Member State.”
In line with this directive, the ECOWAS Administrative and Financial Committee convened virtually in February 2025 to approve the comprehensive program of activities that will unfold across the entire West African region throughout the year. Residents in Kumasi and across Ghana will be keenly observing the launch of these important celebrations.
