President John Dramani Mahama has urged member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to deepen investment in early warning systems, mediation efforts, and the empowerment of youth and women in peacebuilding processes.

His comment stems from the recent decision by Mali Burkina Faso and Niger to withdraw from Ecowas over diplomatic tensions

Speaking at the  launch of ECOWAS's 50th anniversary celebrations in Accra on Tuesday, 22 April, President Mahama emphasized the need to reposition the regional body not only as a political and economic bloc but as a strong diplomatic anchor for the African continent.

“Let us invest more in early warning systems, mediation capacities and youth and women as peace builders. Let us position our subregion ECOWAS not only as a political economic bloc but as a diplomatic anchor for the continent,” he stated.

President Mahama highlighted that since returning to office, his administration has prioritized diplomatic re-engagement with Ghana’s Sahelian neighbors by appointing a special envoy to initiate high-level conversations with the Alliance of Sahel States".

These efforts, he said, reflect the belief that "we have a shared destiny as a subregion, as unity is about fostering mutual respect and advancing our common interest."

He also called for a broader vision of integration—one that includes economic, social, and cultural cooperation alongside political diplomacy. He underscored the importance of harmonizing trade policies, promoting the free movement of people, and enhancing collaboration in education and health.

“Our diplomatic instruments must always work in the service of our people,” he said. “We must empower ECOWAS institutions to act swiftly, credibly and transparently. Our citizens must feel that ECOWAS is not some distant bureaucracy but a living community that understands their struggles and champions their hopes.”

Mahama added that West Africa must not overlook the soft power of shared culture and identity. “Let us never forget the power of soft diplomacy—our shared languages, music, literature, and youth culture. These are powerful tools that bind us together more deeply than any treaty can,” he stated.

ECOWAS was established in 1975 through the Treaty of Lagos to foster economic integration across West Africa. Its 15 member states share a combined population exceeding 400 million.

Over the past five decades, the bloc has launched peacekeeping missions, facilitated cross-border trade and movement, and supported democratic governance.

However, its unity has come under strain in recent years following a series of military coups in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, alongside rising terrorism threats and economic instability.