By Hannah Dadzie and Jacqueline Ampo
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, in collaboration with Media Response, an NGO, has organised an inter-school debate to mark the 49th Anniversary of ECOWAS in Accra. The debate was to create an opportunity for the youth to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of West Africa and the role that ECOWAS has played in promoting peace, stability, and economic growth in the sub-region.
According to the Ministry, the event was also to help strengthen the understanding of regional integration, particularly among the youth, and explore innovative solutions to Africa’s challenges.
Senior High Schools that participated in the debate were Achimota School, Accra Girls, Christian Methodist, Lashibi Community Day, Nungua, and Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High Schools, all in Accra.
The six schools were paired to argue for and against three motions based on the anniversary theme “Enhancing Regional Unity, Peace and Security”.
Resident Representative of ECOWAS to Ghana, Ambassador Baba Gana Wakil, said the debate is significant because it would help shape the future of ECOWAS through young people. He emphasised the importance of ECOWAS and urged the students to have interest in ECOWAS activities.
“These debates are actually not just academic, beyond enhancing your academic performance. The debates are also meant to expand your horizons to have original orientation, original mindset so that by the time you go through the universities, you will be in a better position to decide not only the kind of jobs you want to do, but where you want to work. I want to assure you that once you continue to take an active interest in ECOWAS, we will also try to meet you halfway in encouraging you to make something very concrete very solid including your future career,” Ambassador Gana Wakil said.
Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ambassador Ramses Cleland, said the discussions emphasised the need to recommit to a more unified, peaceful, and secure West Africa. He expressed hope that the knowledge the students acquired through the debate will inspire them to strive for success and equip them with the skills needed to make the ECOWAS region a better place.
“The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by each participant underscores the importance of fostering a culture of dialogue and critical thinking among our peoples. Through the topics selected for this Debate, we have explored the importance of ECOWAS and its impact on regional unity, peace and security. As we leave here, let us carry forward the spirit of ECOWAS, one of unity, cooperation, and shared destiny. Let us continue to engage in meaningful dialogue, to seek understanding, and to work together towards common goals,” Chief Director, Ambassador Ramses Cleland.
The winning school, Accra Girls Senior High School, received 3,000 cedis, followed by Nungua Senior High School, which had 2,500 cedis. Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, Legon received 2,000 cedis for placing third, with the others receiving 1,500 cedis each. All the schools were given citations, certificates of participation, and other souvenirs.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, says the Ministry plans to sensitise the youth to their rights and privileges under the ECOWAS policies and protocols. Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong said the Ministry has already started conducting sensitisation workshops in the Central, Western and Western North Regions for students to learn more about the ECOWAS Protocols on Free Movement, Rights of Residence and Establishment, and the Youth Policy.
He said this gives the students an opportunity to ask pressing questions about ECOWAS, particularly about their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities as citizens of the Community. Mr. Ampratwum-Sarpong assured of the Ministry’s commitment to raising more awareness about the relevance of ECOWAS.
“As we celebrate nearly five decades of the existence of this dynamic community, we are reminded of the enduring vision of our founding fathers to create a united, peaceful, and secure West Africa. This vision is more relevant now than ever, as we navigate the complexities of globalisation, economic challenges, and security threats. It is, therefore, befitting that ECOWAS has selected this year’s theme to be “Enhancing Regional Peace, Unity and Security. Through tireless dedication and unwavering commitment, ECOWAS has worked hard to be a beacon of hope and has become a global pacesetter and example for the region. . I encourage you to be confident, to challenge and inspire each other, and even our wider regional community,” Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong noted.
