The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, in collaboration with the ECOWAS National Office, has organized a regional sensitization workshop on ECOWAS Protocols for secondary and tertiary students in the Volta Region.
The event, held at the Cedi Auditorium of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho, brought together students, educators, traditional leaders, and representatives of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to deepen understanding of ECOWAS values and objectives.
The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, in his welcome address, commended the Ministry for choosing the Volta Region for the workshop. He emphasized that as a border region and a key gateway to neighbouring countries, Volta plays a vital role in promoting regional integration and cross-border cooperation.
Hon. Gunu underscored the importance of creating awareness about ECOWAS protocols such as the free movement of persons, good,s and services, and the right of establishment, noting that these policies directly impact trade, education, and employment opportunities across the sub-region.
He further highlighted the Mahama administration’s strong commitment to regional cooperation and economic diplomacy:
“Under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, Ghana’s foreign policy is anchored on economic diplomacy and regional cooperation.
The government continues to work actively with ECOWAS to strengthen sub-regional trade, enhance cross-border infrastructure, and reinforce peace and security initiatives.”
The Minister urged students to see themselves as future leaders and ambassadors of regional integration. “Your participation here today is not just symbolic; it is strategic.
The success of regional integration depends largely on how much the younger generation embraces and lives the ECOWAS dream,” he said.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Francis Danti Kotia, Coordinating Director for Multilateral and International Organisations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Ghana’s dedication to ECOWAS and its principles. He explained that ECOWAS remains a vehicle for unity, progress, and prosperity among West African nations and continues to bring tangible benefits to citizens through its protocols on free movement, trade facilitation, and democracy.
Ambassador Kotia also commended Ghana’s youth for their interest in regional affairs, encouraging them to take advantage of ECOWAS scholarships, internships, and innovation programs.
“ECOWAS is not just an institution for policymakers and politicians. It is a community for all West Africans — the ECOWAS of people, not just of nations,” he said.
The Resident Representative of ECOWAS to Ghana, H.E. Mohammed Lawan Gana, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing ECOWAS’s ongoing efforts to promote peace, economic integration, and youth empowerment in the sub-region.
Participants were taken through presentations on various ECOWAS protocols and thematic areas including Gender Policy, Youth Development, Free Movement, Early Warning Systems, and The Role of Civil Society and the Media in Regional Integration. The programme also featured a short documentary on ECOWAS @ 50, cultural performances, and an interactive Q&A session.
The sensitization workshop forms part of a nationwide initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to educate students and the public on ECOWAS policies and to foster a sense of shared regional identity and cooperation
