Ghana, Ecowas Commission President discuss regional integration and introduction of eco currency

Story by: Regina Bless

President John Dramani Mahama has received the President of the ECOWAS Commission, His Excellency General Birame Diop, at the Presidency in Accra as part of his first familiarisation visit to Ghana since assuming leadership of the regional organisation.

The meeting focused on strengthening regional integration and advancing key ECOWAS projects, including the Lagos-Abidjan Corridor, the Ghana-Côte d’Ivoire Power Project and the proposed headquarters of the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA), which Ghana is hosting.

Discussions also centred on the proposed introduction of the ECO, the long-awaited common currency for West African countries.

President Mahama is advocating for the currency to be introduced next year, beginning with countries that have met the required economic convergence criteria, including Ghana.

He believes adopting a coalition-of-the-willing approach, rather than waiting for all ECOWAS member states to meet the requirements, could accelerate the introduction of the common currency.

Ghana has also formally expressed interest in hosting the West African Monetary Institute.

President Mahama further expressed appreciation to ECOWAS for unanimously endorsing his candidature to serve as Chairperson of the African Union in 2027, when the position is expected to rotate to West Africa.

The meeting also discussed strengthening relations with countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), emphasising the importance of maintaining cooperation and dialogue to address shared regional challenges.

The visit forms part of ongoing engagements aimed at deepening cooperation, promoting economic integration and advancing development initiatives across West Africa.