The 49th heads of states meeting of the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS), has opened in Dakar with a call on leaders of the sub-region to intensify their efforts at collaborating to fight emerging security threats within the sub-region.
Of particular mention was the threat posed by Boko Haram and its effect on total economic integration of the sub-region.
According to the newly sworn in President of the commission, HE Marcel Alain de Souza, the intense collaboration is necessary as the continent and the sub-region in particular seeks to empower its people economically.
Thus any threats that seek to draw back on such initiatives needs to be fought with the energy and strength that can be gathered.
The meeting is expected among others to elect a new chair for the regional body since the tenure of current chair and President of Senegal Macky Sall, has come to an end.
President Mahama, who is attending the meeting is also expected among other things to brief his colleague heads of state about Ghana’s preparations towards the November elections.
The summit will also receive briefing from member states on the Economic Partnership Agreement, (EPA)
Most of the countries within the sub-region especially Nigeria, had previously raised objections about the agreement, however all the countries were asked from previous meetings to go back and deliberate to allow the sub-regional body to take a concrete decision.
With the deadline by the European Union inching closer, leaders are expected at this meeting to forge ahead with a common stance informed by specific concerns of each country.
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By: Richard Mensah/citifmonline.com/Ghana