The West African nation of Ghana has been chosen to play host to the parliament of the Economic Community of West African States, also known as ECOWAS. The ECOWAS parliament event will take place in the coastal town of Winneba. Ghana was selected to host the ECOWAS Parliament Speaker’s Conference and parliamentary visit which will feature speakers and members of parliament from all 15 ECOWAS member nations.
Effutu constituency MP Afenyo-Markin said, the choice of Winneba as the venue demonstrates Ghana’s prominence within the sub-region and its desire to facilitate constructive dialogue among West African law-makers. Legislators attending the ECOWAS Parliament meeting in Winneba will have a chance to discuss strategic issues impacting the sub-region, exchange knowledge and experiences related to governance and law-making, and identify opportunities for parliamentary collaboration on economic, social and security matters within ECOWAS borders.
Afenyo-Markin also stated “We cannot always concentrate in capital cities. We need to spread opportunities to the people.” Hosting the meeting in Winneba will not be the first time as Winneba previously hosted ECOWAS Parliament events in 2021.
The Ghanaian government will put in place necessary health protocols for all ECOWAS MPs, staff and security arrangements for the meeting in Winneba. Afenyo-Markin also stated “As I said, we hope to make it a pleasant and profitable time for all. We encourage you all to come and take part in the program.”
By playing host to the ECOWAS Parliament event, Ghana hopes to model the type of parliamentary diplomacy needed to strengthen regional cooperation within West Africa. Ghanaian officials view legislative linkages as a complementary pillar of ECOWAS integration alongside existing cooperation among heads of state. Ghana sees itself as a leader within ECOWAS, and hosting the parliamentary meeting in Winneba reflects Ghana’s desire to help further regional integration through legislative channels. The conference activities will seek to foster stronger interpersonal connections between West African legislators that can then translate into increased parliamentary coordination and collaboration to support the goals of ECOWAS.
Overall, through facilitating interaction and dialogue among West African legislators, Ghana hopes the ECOWAS Parliament conference in Winneba will nurture parliamentary partnerships able to reinforce programs advancing regional integration within West Africa.