The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in collaboration with Media Response, a Civil Society Organization hosted the maiden Inter-schools’ debate on ECOWAS Regional Integration to commemorate the 48th Anniversary of ECOWAS in Accra on Wednesday 31st May, 2023.
In his opening remarks, the Acting Chief Director, Amb. Ramses Cleland stated that the debate was to create an opportunity for the youth to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of West Africa and the role that ECOWAS had played in promoting peace, stability, and economic growth in the region. He indicated that the debate was to help strengthen people`s understanding of regional integration, explore innovative solutions to Africa’s problems and together shape the future of Africa. He further intimated that the platform was to create an avenue for young people to share their views, ideas, and perspective on a range of issues. The Chief Director urged member states to reflect on the successes chalked so far and the challenges that still lay ahead of the community as it marked the 48th anniversary of ECOWAS.
On his part, the Head of ECOWAS National office, Ambassador Yakubu A. Dadu commended the organisers of the inter-school debate and reiterated the need for people to demonstrate the power of dialogue, engagement and respect for views, values, and opinions. Ambassador Dadu asserted that the promotion of youth development and education was part of the objectives of ECOWAS and that the youth should be encouraged to engage in critical thinking, constructive dialogue and exploring new ideas to make a positive difference. He remarked that Africa has over 300 ethnic groups speaking 500 languages which is a symbol of having a rich culture, heritage and a vibrant economy that needs to be celebrated and should be a source of inspiration.
The Permanent Representative of ECOWAS to Ghana, Amb. Baba Gana Wakil in his statement emphasised the importance of ECOWAS and urged the students to have interest in ECOWAS activities and must endeavour to protect and advance the course of ECOWAS.
The Senior High Schools which participated in the debate were Action Secondary Technical School, Accra Wesley Girls` High School, Christian Methodist Senior High, Odorgonno Senior High School, Preset Pacesetters Senior High School, and O’Reilly Senior High School.
Accra Wesley Girls High School emerged as winners for the first round of debate. The second debate was won by Odorgonno Senior High School and O’Reilly Senior High School emerged victors for the last round of debate. The questions for the debate ranged from how ECOWAS can help member states to develop faster, ECOWAS protocol on free movement of goods and people and whether ECOWAS had positively impacted the lives of the youth in West Africa.
In attendance were representatives from the West Africa Network for peacekeeping (WANEP), from the ECOWAS External Relations Directorate, participating schools and Officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
