By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
President John Dramani Mahama has held discussions with the President of the ECOWAS Commission, General Birame Diop, on key regional integration initiatives, including the proposed introduction of the ECO single currency and major infrastructure projects across West Africa.
President Mahama received General Diop at the Presidency in Accra during his first familiarisation visit to Ghana since assuming leadership of the ECOWAS Commission.
The discussions focused on strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating the implementation of key ECOWAS flagship projects.
Among the projects discussed was the Lagos-Abidjan Corridor, with Ghana set to commence work on its portion of the major transport infrastructure project.
The meeting also considered the Ghana-Côte d’Ivoire power project and the construction of a new headquarters for the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA), which Ghana is hosting.
A major issue on the agenda was the proposed introduction of the ECO, the common currency intended to facilitate trade and economic integration among West African countries.
President Mahama is advocating for the introduction of the currency next year, beginning with countries that have satisfied the required macroeconomic convergence criteria, including Ghana.
He believes a coalition of willing and qualified countries should be allowed to adopt the currency rather than delaying the process until all ECOWAS member states meet the requirements.
The approach, according to the discussions, could accelerate the long-awaited implementation of the single currency project.
Ghana has also formally submitted a bid to host the West African Monetary Institute, further demonstrating its commitment to advancing regional monetary integration.
During the meeting, President Mahama expressed appreciation to the ECOWAS Commission for its unanimous endorsement of his candidature to chair the African Union in 2027, when the position is expected to rotate to the West African region.
The two leaders also discussed cooperation with countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), emphasising the need to maintain strategic bridges of engagement and partnership to address shared regional challenges.
The engagement forms part of efforts to deepen Ghana’s relationship with ECOWAS and strengthen collective action towards economic development, regional security and integration across West Africa.
