President John Dramani Mahama has called on ECOWAS member states to deepen cooperation, maintain dialogue, and move beyond policy commitments to the effective implementation of regional decisions that directly improve the lives of citizens.

Addressing the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Sierra Leone, President Mahama said peace, economic transformation, technology, youth empowerment, and democratic governance remain central to building a stronger West African community.

He commended the Government and people of Sierra Leone for hosting the summit and described the conference facility as a valuable investment that reflects the importance of regional cooperation.

President Mahama also praised ECOWAS for commencing the construction of an Ultra-Portable Logistics Depot in Lungi, which he said would strengthen emergency response mechanisms and support the ECOWAS Standby Force.

He expressed gratitude to Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio for his solidarity with Ghana following the devastating floods that claimed 39 lives, describing the gesture as deeply appreciated.

The Ghanaian leader said the ECOWAS Compact, anchored on pillars including peace and security, sustainable economic transformation, science and technology, youth and women empowerment, institutional reforms, strategic autonomy, and democracy, provides a roadmap for the future of the region.

“Without peace, development will remain an illusion,” President Mahama said, stressing that stability is essential for economic progress and for confronting threats such as terrorism, violent extremism, and organised crime.

He called for continued engagement among ECOWAS member states, the Alliance of Sahel States, and other partners, noting that differences should not undermine the shared responsibility of building a united West Africa.

President Mahama further emphasised the need for greater investment in science, technology, and innovation, including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and modern production systems, to keep the region competitive globally.

On democracy and governance, he said citizens are demanding tangible benefits beyond elections, including accountability, employment opportunities, social inclusion, and improved public services.

He noted that the future of ECOWAS must be built not only in conference halls but also in schools, farms, factories, research institutions, innovation hubs, and communities.

President Mahama said while ECOWAS has achieved significant milestones through treaties and protocols over the past five decades, the priority now is to ensure the effective implementation of these decisions to deliver results for citizens.

He also raised concerns about recent xenophobic attacks against Africans, including Ghanaians and Nigerians, in South Africa, welcoming ECOWAS’ support for Ghana’s request to table the issue before the African Union.

“Africa’s liberation was achieved through solidarity across our borders. We must never allow that proud legacy to be weakened by intolerance,” he said.

President Mahama commended the leadership and staff of the ECOWAS Commission for their service and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working with member states and partners to promote peace, prosperity, and regional integration across West Africa.