Ghana gets two positions on ECOWAS Commission

Ghana has been given two positions on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission at the just ended 43rd ordinary meeting in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

The positions are Commissioner for General Administration and Deputy Director General of the Inter-governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering.

The Inter-governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering is an inter-governmental group to fight money laundering and terrorism in the sub-region.

Among other things, the ECOWAS Commission has a mandate to develop a comprehensive regional strategic plan, indicating the major implications and strategic options for the implementation of its programmes in the ECOWAS sub-region.

The Commission, through its Strategic Planning Directorate, also has a mission of ensuring the formulation of a sub regional strategy for the implementation of the ECOWAS regional integration and development programme within the framework of New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).

The Commission would also facilitate the movement from an ECOWAS of States to an ECOWAS of the People by the year 2020.

Meanwhile, the two-day discussions in Abuja focused on the crises in Mali and Guinea Bissau.

President John Mahama said the two positions will strengthen Ghana Government’s resolve to fight anti-money laundering activities in the region.

He said Ghana's recent competence in financial intelligence and government's progress to curb money laundering has contributed to the appointments.

President Mahama also stated that Ghana has been given an air services contract by the United Nations (UN) to provide air services in Mali.

In his view, the two-day meeting in Abuja was satisfactory.