ECOWAS celebrates 49th anniversary, focuses on digital transformation in West Africa
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) celebrated its 49th anniversary with a public conference at the University of Communication and Technology in Accra, Ghana. Themed “The Role of Communication Technologies in Advancing Digital Transformation in the Region,” the event highlighted the critical role of digital tools in fostering economic and socio-political development across West Africa.
The conference, held on Tuesday, was organized by the ECOWAS Representative in Ghana, His Excellency Ambassador Baba Ghana Wakil. About 150 students, alongside the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Afoakwa, and other faculty members, attended the event in the university’s auditorium.
In his welcome address, Afoakwa expressed gratitude to ECOWAS for choosing their institution to host this significant celebration. He emphasised the importance of such engagements in educating and inspiring the next generation of leaders in West Africa.
Ambassador Baba Ghana Wakil’s opening speech centered on the transformative power of communication technologies in the ECOWAS region.
He highlighted the economic benefits of digital tools and their critical role in enhancing socio-political environments, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity and data analysis.
These technologies are pivotal in combating terrorism and other transnational crimes, reinforcing regional peace and security.
“The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is committed to promoting regional peace and security, with emphasis on security architecture and early warning signs,” stated Ambassador Wakil.
He emphasized that addressing regional peace and security remains a top priority for ECOWAS, especially considering current regional challenges.
Ambassador Wakil underscored key initiatives such as the implementation of the Regional Action Plan against Banditry and Terrorism on Land and Maritime Terrorism and the operationalization of the ECOWAS Reserve Force. These measures are designed to strengthen the region’s capacity to address security threats effectively.
The Ambassador also highlighted the essential role of regional mediators and facilitators, such as the ECOWAS Elders Committee, in maintaining peace and stability.
The conference aimed to engage students and academic institutions in understanding the vital role of communication technologies in achieving ECOWAS’s objectives. The discussions focused on how digital transformation can drive economic prosperity and enhance socio-political frameworks within the region.
The celebration of ECOWAS’s 49th anniversary at the University of Communication and Technology marks a significant step in fostering dialogue and collaboration between ECOWAS and educational institutions. It underscores the importance of leveraging communication technologies to advance digital transformation and address regional challenges effectively.
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