The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rolled out a new initiative aimed at reshaping the future of regional cooperation, governance, and economic advancement across West Africa. Dubbed the ECOWAS Policy Analysis Series (EPAS), the project comprises 14 thought-provoking policy papers designed to spark conversation, shape reform, and accelerate the region’s development.
The initiative is part of activities marking ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary and was developed in partnership with the Africa Policy Research Institute, with funding and technical backing from the German Development Cooperation Agency.
Together, the series provides a deep dive into the bloc’s strengths, challenges, and emerging opportunities, offering a roadmap for progress in areas such as integration, democratic governance, economic diversification, and climate resilience.
Speaking at the launch in Accra, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana, highlighted the vision behind the initiative, emphasizing a strategic shift from an “ECOWAS of states” to an “ECOWAS of people,” where policies and actions reflect the aspirations and realities of ordinary citizens.
He noted that the regional bloc continues to face major hurdles, including uneven policy implementation, weak infrastructure, governance difficulties, security threats, and a lack of economic diversity.
These challenges, he said, require not only technical solutions but also deeper political will and civic involvement.
Ambassador Gana called for stronger policy harmonisation, better youth engagement, and the promotion of regional trade and green jobs.
“This is a moment for all stakeholders—citizens, governments, civil society—to recommit to the ECOWAS vision of integration and shared prosperity,” he stated.
From the German Embassy in Ghana, Chantel Kristin Bredua Lahmer also underscored the importance of putting citizens at the center of development.
She explained that public input provides critical insights that help align policies with community needs and ensure that democratic institutions remain legitimate and responsive.
She noted that the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS coincides with five decades of German development partnership with Ghana, a testament to the enduring cooperation between the two entities.
“The policy papers we are presenting today reflect diverse views from across West Africa and the diaspora. They represent a call for deeper citizen engagement and accountability,” she said.
Kristin Bredua also spoke about the growing need for clear, transparent communication in governance, especially at a time when public trust is eroding and misinformation is on the rise.
“Good communication is no longer optional—it’s a fundamental responsibility,” she stressed.
She reaffirmed Germany’s continued support for ECOWAS’ reform agenda and democratic renewal, noting that future cooperation would focus on strengthening institutions and ensuring policies respond effectively to citizen concerns.
Dr. Kojo Impraim, Director of Media for Peace and Social Cohesion at the Media Foundation for West Africa, also weighed in, acknowledging the strides ECOWAS has made in promoting peace and democratic norms.
However, he cautioned that new threats such as cybercrime, disinformation, and climate change continue to test the region’s resilience.
He called for a robust, independent media landscape that can help combat these threats and serve as a watchdog for democracy. “A strong media is essential to defend democratic values and ensure transparency,” he said.
The EPAS launch signals a renewed commitment by ECOWAS and its partners to transform the bloc into a more people-centered, forward-looking institution. The policy series is expected to serve as a catalyst for regional dialogue and help shape the next phase of ECOWAS’ evolution.
