MINISTERS FROM ECOWAS MEMBER STATES MEET ON THE OPERATIONALISATION OF ECOWAS-ECOSOCC IN ACCRA

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, through its Department of Pollical Affairs, Peace and Security, convened a meeting of Ministers from Member States, on March 13, 2026, on the validation and operationalisation of the ECOWAS Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOWAS-ECOSOCC).

The ECOWAS-ECOSOCC is provided for under Article 14 of the ECOWAS Revised 1993 Treaty as a key institutional mechanism for ensuring inclusive regional governance. In line with this provision, the ECOWAS Commission initiated a phased approach to operationalizing the ECOWAS-ECOSOCC, envisioned as a consultative and advisory platform that engages non-state actors, civil society, women, youth and the private sector in the regional integration process.

In his welcome statement, Mr Divine Kwame Owusu-Ansah, Director of Culture and Creative Arts, on behalf of the Minister of Tourism and Creative Arts of Ghana, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, welcomed Ministers, experts and partners to Accra for the Meeting, describing it as a timely step in strengthening participatory governance and advancing regional integration within the region.

He commended technical experts for laying a solid foundation through their deliberations and urge Ministers to validate the proposed framework and recommendations for onward consideration by ECOWAS statutory bodies. Emphasising the importance of citizen engagement in regional governance, he noted that “regional integration must serve the people, and it must also listen to the people.”

Ambassador Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah described the ECOWAS-ECOSOCC initiative as a decisive step toward building a more inclusive and people-centred regional organisation.

He noted that the meeting comes at a time of complex political and security challenges in the region, underscoring the strategic importance of creating structured channels for citizen engagement in regional policymaking. He urged Ministers to review and endorse the proposed institutional framework, legal instruments and implementation roadmap, stressing that “the operationalization of ECOWAS-ECOSOCC sends a clear message of regional solidarity and collective progress.”

In her opening remarks, Hon. Melrose Karminty, Minister of Social Welfare of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chair of the meeting noted that the initiative comes at a critical moment as the region navigates political, security and socio-economic challenges, stressing the importance of strengthening citizen participation and dialogue in regional governance. Emphasising the strategic relevance of the Council in deepening regional integration and inclusivity, she stated that “the establishment of ECOWAS-ECOSOC is about strengthening the connection between ECOWAS and the people of West Africa.”

The report and framework documents validated by the sectoral ministers  will be presented to the relevant ECOWAS statutory bodies for consideration and adoption.