Empowering Youth Through ECOWAS Opportunities
Students from various senior high schools and tertiary institutions in Koforidua, Eastern Region, have been encouraged to explore the opportunities provided by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). These opportunities are designed to foster peace, economic growth, and youth development across the region. The initiative was highlighted during a one-day workshop organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in collaboration with the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council and Media Response. The event took place under the theme: “Peace and Prosperity for All.”
The workshop brought together students from several educational institutions, including Pope John SHS, SDA SHS, Oti Boateng SHS, Oyoko Methodist SHS, Koforidua Sec Tech, New Juaben SHS, and others. Alongside these students were political leaders, security agencies, and development organizations, creating a platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing.
ECOWAS’s Dual Role in Peace and Economic Growth
Mr. Francis Denti Kotia, Coordinating Director of Multilateral and International Organisations at the Ministry, emphasized ECOWAS’s dual role in promoting both peace and economic integration. He explained that ECOWAS protocols on free movement of goods and services, trade liberalisation, cross-border cooperation, and resident rights offer significant opportunities for young people.
“ECOWAS is not just an economic community; it is a framework for peace, prosperity, and opportunity,” Mr. Kotia said. He noted that the subregion generates approximately $740 billion in annual economic output, with exports valued at about $122.7 billion, highlighting the potential for youth to leverage these opportunities for personal and national development. He also underscored ECOWAS’s role in restoring stability during conflicts, citing peacekeeping interventions in Liberia and Sierra Leone as examples of the organization’s commitment to regional security.
Youth as Leaders in Promoting Peace and Civic Responsibility
Mr. Mohammed Saani Adams, Director for Youth Development and Empowerment at the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, stressed that youth have a critical role in promoting peace and civic responsibility. He encouraged students to avoid hate speech, ethnic or religious conflicts, and any actions that could threaten security. “Our youth must be leaders in promoting unity, tolerance, and sustainable development,” he said.
He also highlighted that ECOWAS policies empower youth to participate fully in governance, decision-making, and leadership initiatives, while benefiting from education, training, health services, and capacity-building programmes. Mr. Saani emphasized the importance of ethical leadership, civic engagement, and environmental sustainability, particularly when engaging with natural resources. He encouraged students to take responsibility in their communities, contribute positively to development projects, and act as role models for younger generations.
Aligning with Vision 2050 and Expanding Opportunities
Ambassador Mohammed Lawan, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, told the media that the workshop aligns with Vision 2050, focusing on youth empowerment, peace, and security. He revealed that ECOWAS recently conducted an IT and skills empowerment programme benefiting about 200 students, with plans to expand next year. “The organisation has also supported social inclusion initiatives such as providing boreholes and assisting special schools in vulnerable communities,” he said.
Student Perspectives and Future Implications
Eric Asamoah of Oyoko Methodist SHS shared his insights, stating, “I now understand how the youth can help maintain peace in our communities while seizing economic and educational opportunities offered by regional integration.” Ms. Sandra Osei Agyekum added that she felt motivated to actively participate in leadership and development initiatives.
The workshop reinforced civic responsibility and ethical leadership, urging students to report security threats, foster mutual understanding across ethnic and religious lines, and engage positively in their communities. Organizers stressed that such programmes bridge the gap between youth and policymakers, helping young people understand how regional policies impact their lives and future opportunities.
By embracing ECOWAS frameworks, students can become agents of positive change, contributing to peace, economic growth, and sustainable development across Ghana and West Africa. The event ended with a call for students to leverage ECOWAS opportunities, uphold peace, and actively participate in national and regional development, positioning themselves as responsible, forward-thinking citizens ready to shape the future of their communities and the subregion.