The Ghanaian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has launched a national campaign to promote regional integration and awareness among citizens. The campaign, titled "ECOWAS For All," was launched on November 9 at the Aflao border town, a major entry point for trade, travel, and cultural exchange in the region. The launch was attended by government officials, diplomats, private sector representatives, and civil society members.
The campaign aims to promote a better understanding of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and encourage citizen participation in regional integration. The theme of the campaign is "Bringing ECOWAS closer to citizens: promoting awareness, participation, and regional integration opportunities." The government hopes that the campaign will create opportunities for citizens, strengthen businesses, promote economic cooperation, and build a future where every West African has a role to play in regional development.
The Minister for the Volta Region, James Gunu, emphasized the need for better public awareness and regional integration to achieve free movement of people and goods, increased trade, job creation, and enhanced security cooperation. He commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ECOWAS for organizing the campaign, which he said would help address the challenges faced by citizens when crossing borders.
The campaign will adopt a participatory approach, including stakeholder forums, awareness-raising actions at markets, and meetings with border communities. The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, noted that despite ECOWAS' significant contributions to regional peace, security, and trade, many citizens are unaware of the rights and opportunities offered by ECOWAS protocols. The campaign will focus on promoting awareness of these opportunities, including free movement, regional trade, and the right to reside and do business in other member states.
The Commissioner for Immigration and Operations of the Ghana Immigration Service, Justice Amevor, stressed the importance of strengthening the implementation of the ECOWAS Protocol on free movement. He noted that despite efforts to introduce measures to facilitate free movement, challenges persist in recognizing and using regional travel documents. The campaign will also focus on addressing these challenges and promoting a smoother border crossing experience for citizens.
The Aflao-Lomé border town is a significant case study for the campaign, with thousands of people crossing the border daily for work, trade, and other purposes. However, the border crossing process can be challenging, with delays, administrative hurdles, and transportation issues. The campaign aims to address these challenges and promote a more seamless and efficient border crossing experience.
The "ECOWAS For All" campaign will continue over the next few months, with initiatives aimed at disseminating information on ECOWAS directly to citizens and promoting their participation in regional integration. The ultimate goal is to make regional integration a concrete reality in the lives of citizens across Ghana and the wider West African region.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government launches "ECOWAS For All" campaign to promote regional integration and awareness among citizens.
- The campaign aims to promote free movement, regional trade, and economic cooperation among ECOWAS member states.
- The campaign will adopt a participatory approach, including stakeholder forums, awareness-raising actions, and meetings with border communities.
