Accra: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged Ghanaian students to harness opportunities in innovation and entrepreneurship to drive regional integration and development. The ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, Mohammed Lawan Gana, emphasized the pivotal role of the youth in achieving the bloc's Vision 2050, which envisions a peaceful, prosperous, and fully integrated West Africa.
According to Ghana Web, Gana made these remarks during an engagement with students of Central University in Accra as part of activities marking ECOWAS' 50th anniversary. Speaking on the theme 'ECOWAS at 50: From Founders' Vision to Youth Action,' Gana highlighted the transition from an 'ECOWAS of states' to an 'ECOWAS of people' as central to the vision. This agenda is being pursued through key pillars, including peace and security, governance and rule of law, economic integration, sustainable development, and innovation and entrepreneurship.
Gana stressed the importance of investing in the youth, describing them as critical to the region's future. "The youth in West Africa are not docile. They are vibrant, and you can see the entrepreneurship in them even without encouragement," he stated. He urged the region not to solely look towards global figures like Elon Musk or Mark Zuckerberg but to recognize and support local talent.
The ECOWAS Representative cited successful initiatives such as an artificial intelligence (AI) training program that benefited about 200 students at the University of Ghana Business School. He also mentioned the Forum for Research and Innovation (FARI), which Ghana is set to host in 2027, as a significant opportunity for regional collaboration and development.
Gana revealed plans for ECOWAS to partner with Central University to support its innovation drive, aiming to position the youth to effectively contribute to the bloc's development. He called on students to see themselves as key actors in achieving 'Vision 2050' and urged stakeholders to invest in the youth to address the region's current challenges.
Professor Evans Sokro, Dean of the Central Business School at the university, praised ECOWAS for actively involving young people in its activities and encouraged students to seize these opportunities for growth and development.