The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ghana has launched a national public sensitisation campaign called "ECOWAS for All" to deepen citizens' understanding and involvement in regional integration. This initiative aims to bridge the knowledge gap between ECOWAS policies and the everyday experiences of ordinary Ghanaians. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, James Gyakye Quayson, emphasized that despite ECOWAS's significant progress in regional peace, security, free movement, trade, and cooperation over the past five decades, many citizens remain unaware of the rights and opportunities available to them under various protocols.
The campaign highlights key benefits of integration, including visa-free travel within the Community, opportunities for regional trade under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), and the right to reside and establish businesses in other Member States. Mr. Quayson explained that the campaign will adopt a citizen-centred approach, engaging with stakeholders through forums, market sensitisation, border engagements, media outreach, and student workshops. These platforms will allow traders, transport operators, students, and residents to raise concerns about customs procedures, documentation, and border processes while providing feedback to policymakers.
The campaign seeks to educate citizens about the ECOWAS biometric ID system and the SIGMAT automated transit management platform, designed to ease movement and trade. Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, Chief Director of the Ministry, stated that the campaign represents Ghana's practical contribution to transforming ECOWAS from a Community of States into a Community of People. The Ministry, in collaboration with relevant MDAs, will take the campaign directly to communities and border areas to educate citizens and listen to their concerns.
ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana, described the campaign as timely, noting that integration can only achieve its full potential when its benefits are understood and accessible to ordinary citizens. He highlighted opportunities in trade, education, skills development, and entrepreneurship. The launch, held under the theme "Bringing ECOWAS Closer to the Citizen: Promoting Awareness, Participation and Opportunities for Regional Integration," brought together members of the diplomatic corps, MDAs, ECOWAS institutions, business, civil society, academia, and the media.
Other speakers at the launch included Mr. Ahmed Tijani, Director at the Regional Integration Bureau, who emphasized the use of local Ghanaian languages to ensure deeper penetration of the campaign's message. Deputy Commissioner of Immigration and Head of Operations at the Ghana Immigration Service, Mr. Justice Amevor, stressed the need to strengthen implementation of the Free Movement Protocol. He also highlighted the ECOWAS biometric identity card, known in Ghana as the Ghana Card, introduced to harmonise travel documents and facilitate free movement.
The campaign will also focus on sensitising the public about the ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme, which facilitates compensation for victims of cross-border motor accidents. Secretary-General of the ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme, Mr. Richard Sarbah Eshun, provided insights into the scheme. The launch event demonstrated a strong commitment to regional integration and awareness, with various stakeholders pledging their support for the campaign.
The "ECOWAS for All" campaign is expected to run over the coming months, with engagements aimed at making regional integration a practical reality in the lives of Ghanaians. The campaign's success will be measured by the level of awareness and participation it generates among citizens. Key stakeholders, including traders, transport operators, business associations, schools, the media, and state agencies, are expected to support the campaign.
Key points
- The campaign aims to bridge the knowledge gap between ECOWAS policies and the everyday experiences of ordinary Ghanaians.
- The initiative highlights key benefits of integration, including visa-free travel and opportunities for regional trade.
- The campaign will adopt a citizen-centred approach, engaging with stakeholders through various platforms.
