News:
January 24, 2020
President of the ECOWAS Commission, H. E Jean-Claude Kassi Brou has said the achievements of the sub-regional community bloc can be consolidated with the upcoming elections this year.
According to him, the sub-region has demonstrated strong commitment to addressing issues relating to security and stability challenges affecting it by applying existing political and legal measures to mediate conflicts and restore democratic governance in the region.
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“The role of the Economic Community of West African States Parliament in this regard is highly regarded and acknowledged”, he stated.
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“The role of the Economic Community of West African States Parliament in this regard is highly regarded and acknowledged”, he stated.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Social Affairs, Dr. Siga Fatima Japne who represented the President at the opening of a three-day seminar of the Community Parliament in the Gambia made these remarks.
She, however, noted that the sub-region is increasingly exposed to security threats ranging from arms trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, and terrorist financing among others.
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And added that the Commission alone cannot address the complex problem of the region; it would need to have collaboration and enhance synergy with ECOWAS Parliament to deliver the dividend of regional agenda through social inclusion.
Again, she pointed out that the sub-region is not all about challenges, as it is blessed with natural resources and bountiful youthful energy.
“We have to leverage on opportunities created in the new decade by adopting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), through the promotion and strengthening of the Free Movement, with ECOWAS single currency programme”.
Dr. Siga, in addition, emphasised the need to focus on breaking the cycle of poverty by providing decent work, education for all and basic nutrition and social protection for the weak and vulnerable.
“The answer in our security problems can be found in bridging the gap of inequality and enhancing social protection for all. There is a lot of work to be done and I invite you to focus your priorities to include these areas”.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com