Mr Francis Danti Kotia, the Coordinating Director for Multilateral and International Organisations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has emphasised the importance of youth participation in deepening regional integration within West Africa.
He was speaking at a Regional Sensitization Workshop on ECOWAS Protocols for secondary and tertiary students in the Volta Region, organized as part of the Ministry’s mandate through the ECOWAS National Office.
Mr Kotia noted that ECOWAS represents a shared aspiration for unity, progress, and prosperity across West Africa.
Since its establishment in 1975, he said, the regional body had played a critical role in promoting economic growth, peace, and social development among member states.
He highlighted that ECOWAS offer numerous opportunities for young people in the areas of education, cultural exchange, scholarships, internships, and cross-border collaborations — all 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. It is about a borderless region where Ghanaian students can collaborate with peers in Nigeria, Senegal or Sierra Leone to find African solutions to African challenges,” he stated.
Touching on recent geopolitical shifts, Mr Kotia made reference to the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, which now operate under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
He said while their exit posed challenges, Ghana remained a pillar of stability within ECOWAS and continues to uphold the principles of peace, democracy and good governance.
He cited the implementation of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (Ghana Card), the ECOWAS passport, and protocols on free movement, rights of residence, and establishment as concrete benefits that have expanded business and educational mobility within the sub-region.
Addressing the students directly, Mr Kotia encouraged them to become champions of regional unity, saying, “You are not too young to shape the destiny of West Africa. Your creativity, innovation, and digital skills are key to building a stronger future for our region.”
He urged them to actively participate in youth initiatives, embrace technology to connect across borders, and promote peace and tolerance.
Speaking at the event, Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister welcomed the initiative, noting that the workshop was timely for a region that served as a strategic gateway to Ghana’s neighbouring countries.
He said the success of ECOWAS protocols and programmes depended largely on public understanding, particularly among young people who must appreciate the benefits of economic integration, free movement, and regional cooperation.
“Your presence here is not just symbolic; it is strategic. You are the future innovators, diplomats, and entrepreneurs who must carry the ECOWAS vision forward,” he told the students.
The Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to sub-regional development under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, particularly in promoting economic diplomacy, cross-border trade, and infrastructure expansion aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He also expressed the hope that efforts would be made to reintegrate Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger into the ECOWAS community in the interest of regional unity.
Mr Gunu pledged the continued support of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council toward programmes that strengthen collaboration, peace and development within the sub-region.
The workshop brought together students from second-cycle and tertiary institutions, officials from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as civil society organizations, all working to foster stronger knowledge and participation in ECOWAS activities at the local level.
