Mr Francis Danti Kotia, Coordinating Director for Multilateral and International Organisations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has stressed the critical role of youth participation in deepening regional integration within West Africa.
He made the remarks during a Regional Sensitisation Workshop on ECOWAS Protocols for secondary and tertiary students in the Volta Region, organised under the Ministry’s ECOWAS National Office.
Mr Kotia highlighted that ECOWAS, established in 1975, embodies a shared aspiration for unity, progress, and prosperity across member states, playing a pivotal role in economic growth, peace, and social development.
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He pointed out opportunities for youth in education, cultural exchange, scholarships, internships, and cross-border collaborations aimed at empowering the next generation. “ECOWAS is not merely an institution; it is a community of people committed to breaking barriers and building bridges,” he stated, urging students to collaborate across borders to find African solutions to African challenges.
Addressing recent geopolitical shifts, he referenced the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, now operating under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), noting the challenges posed but affirming Ghana‘s role as a pillar of stability that continues to uphold peace, democracy, and good governance.
He also cited tangible benefits of ECOWAS protocols, including the National Biometric Identity Card (Ghana Card), ECOWAS passport, and rights of free movement, residence, and establishment, which enhance business and educational mobility across the sub-region.
Mr Kotia encouraged students to champion regional unity, emphasising that their creativity, innovation, and digital skills are vital to building a stronger West Africa. He urged active participation in youth initiatives, the use of technology to connect across borders, and the promotion of peace and tolerance.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr James Gunu, welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely for a region serving as a strategic gateway to neighbouring countries.
He emphasised that the success of ECOWAS protocols depends on public understanding, particularly among youth, who are the future innovators, diplomats, and entrepreneurs tasked with advancing the ECOWAS vision.
Mr Gunu reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment under President John Dramani Mahama to sub-regional development, economic diplomacy, cross-border trade, and AfCFTA-aligned infrastructure expansion, while expressing hope for the reintegration of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger into ECOWAS.
The workshop brought together students from secondary and tertiary institutions, officials from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as civil society organisations, all working to foster stronger knowledge, engagement, and participation in ECOWAS activities at the local level.
