SoB-UEW Hosts ECOWAS @ 50 Youth Engagement to Deepen Regional Integration Dialogue
The School of Business (SoB) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has hosted a youth engagement to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), urging students to play a central role in advancing the region’s integration and development agenda.
The event, held at the North Campus Mini-Conference Room on Wednesday, 4th March, 2026, formed part of activities marking “ECOWAS @ 50.” It aimed to sensitise students to the bloc’s achievements over the past five decades and to inspire a new generation of leaders and entrepreneurs to champion regional cooperation, economic transformation and peacebuilding.
Chairing the programme, Prof. Rebecca Akpanglo-Nartey, the Principal of the College of Languages Education, described the golden jubilee as a moment of both reflection and recalibration. She recounted that ECOWAS was established on 28th May, 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos by visionary leaders determined to promote economic integration, regional cooperation, peace and improved living standards across West Africa.
Prof. Rebecca Akpanglo-Nartey stressed that in an era marked by global geopolitical tensions, energy market volatility and supply chain disruptions, regional integration is no longer optional but a strategic necessity. With over 60% of West Africa’s population under 25 years, she underscored the urgency of youth empowerment and women-led enterprise development. She affirmed UEW’s readiness, through the School of Business and the UEW Innovation Hub, to partner with ECOWAS in nurturing innovators and enterprise leaders who can compete across regional markets.
Prof. Richard Oduro, the Dean of SoB, said UEW was honoured to be selected as a partner in engaging the next generation of West African leaders. He observed that while ECOWAS has played a stabilising role in democratic governance and conflict mediation, its mandate has become even more urgent amid rising global uncertainty, inflationary pressures and youth unemployment across member states. He cited Ghana’s recent macroeconomic challenges including high inflation and exchange rate volatility as evidence of the need for strong regional mechanisms to safeguard economic stability.
Prof. Oduro highlighted the alignment between ECOWAS’ integration objectives and Ghana’s national development priorities including industrialisation, private sector development, digital transformation and human capital growth. He proposed three strategic priorities for the next phase of ECOWAS’ journey: economic diversification to reduce commodity dependence; digital regionalism through harmonised fintech and cross-border innovation ecosystems and youth-centred development that integrates young people’s voices into enterprise governance and regional policymaking.
Delivering the keynote address, Amb. Mohammed Lawan Gana, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, stated that the mission of “ECOWAS @ 50” is focused squarely on the youth. He traced the historical roots of ECOWAS to the signing of the Treaty of Lagos by fifteen Heads of State and Government, many of whom were young leaders who set aside linguistic and political differences for regional unity. He emphasised that the founding spirit of youthful vision and determination must guide the next generation.
Amb. Gana outlined ECOWAS Vision 2050 which seeks to transition from an “ECOWAS of States” to an “ECOWAS of People: Peace and Prosperity for All.” Built on five pillars, comprising peace and security, democracy and rule of law, economic integration and interconnectivity, inclusive and sustainable development and social inclusion, the roadmap prioritises youth employment, digital skills training and entrepreneurship.
He referenced ongoing initiatives including digital technology training programmes for Ghanaian youth, partnerships with innovation hubs, health interventions through the West African Health Organisation and infrastructure projects such as the Lagos–Abidjan Highway corridor. While acknowledging the recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, he noted that dialogue continues and reaffirmed that ECOWAS remains committed to unity, cooperation and an open door policy.
The engagement concluded with a renewed call for students to position themselves as active stakeholders in the regional integration agenda. Participants were encouraged to harness opportunities within ECOWAS frameworks, particularly in trade, innovation and cross-border enterprise, to help shape a peaceful, prosperous and globally competitive West Africa over the next 50 years.
