The inauguration is expected to improve coordination among national stakeholders, enhance the implementation of regional programmes and help Ghana derive greater benefits from its membership of the West African bloc.

Speaking at the ceremonies, the Ministry’s Chief Director, Ambassador Khadija Idrissu, reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to regional integration, noting that the country, as a founding member of ECOWAS, had consistently supported initiatives aimed at promoting economic cooperation, free movement of persons and goods, peace and security, trade facilitation and sustainable development.

She explained that the Sector Programme Committee, established under the ECOWAS Operational Manual, would serve as a technical coordinating body responsible for implementing and monitoring ECOWAS programmes at the national level.

The committee will also provide a platform for Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the private sector, Civil Society Organisations and other stakeholders to review progress, evaluate projects and make recommendations to strengthen regional integration.

Ambassador Idrissu noted that the committee’s deliberations would inform the work of the National Consultative Committee on Regional Integration (NCCRI), Ghana’s principal national coordinating mechanism for regional integration matters.

She urged members to participate actively in the committee’s activities to advance Ghana’s interests within the ECOWAS framework.

The Director responsible for the ECOWAS National Office at the Ministry, Ahmed Tijani, described the inauguration as a significant step towards addressing longstanding institutional gaps in the coordination of ECOWAS activities in Ghana.

He observed that the full operationalisation of the required structures had been slow, affecting stakeholder coordination, reporting and the effective utilisation of opportunities available under ECOWAS programmes.

Mr Tijani encouraged committee members to use the platforms to strengthen collaboration, improve reporting and develop practical recommendations to enhance Ghana’s participation in regional initiatives.

The Ministry said the inauguration forms part of Ghana’s broader efforts to strengthen its institutional engagement with ECOWAS, improve coordination among national stakeholders and contribute to building a peaceful and prosperous West African sub-region.

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