ECOWAS shifts towards people-centred approach
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is undergoing a strategic transformation, shifting from a state-centric union to a people-centred community, according to its Resident Representative in Ghana, Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a two-day training workshop on information integrity for journalists in Accra on Tuesday, 30 September, Ambassador Gana said the regional body is now prioritising policies and programmes that directly impact the lives of West African citizens.
“The focus now is transitioning from an ECOWAS of states to an ECOWAS of the people,” he stated.
The new approach is rooted in core pillars such as peace and security, economic development, regional integration and social inclusion, all centred on improving the daily lives and futures of West Africans.
“If the people are central to ECOWAS, then what will benefit them? Peace and security, economic development, integration and social inclusion,” Ambassador Gana noted.
He emphasised that this shift is more than rhetoric. It is a strategic redirection aimed at delivering tangible benefits beyond political dialogue or high-level treaties.
It seeks to build stronger bonds between citizens across member states, reinforcing the spirit of unity and mutual responsibility.
“So now, for example, I am from Nigeria; I cannot see someone from Niger and not care about him, and vice versa,” Ambassador Gana added.
