President John Dramani Mahama has held bilateral talks with the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, General Birame Diop, as part of measures aimed at strengthening regional integration, deepening economic cooperation and addressing security challenges confronting West Africa.
President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the vision of ECOWAS and stressed the need for Member States to work together to realise the aspirations of the sub-region.
The meeting, held at the Presidency in Accra on 11 November 2026, formed part of General Diop’s familiarisation visit to Ghana following his assumption of office as head of the ECOWAS Commission in September this year.
Discussions focused on General Diop’s vision for the regional bloc, the implementation of key integration projects, intra-regional trade, security cooperation and the proposed introduction of the single regional currency.
A key issue discussed was the Lagos–Abidjan Corridor project, with President Mahama assuring that Ghana would make an allocation in its 2027 national budget towards the construction of its portion of the regional highway.
On regional security, President Mahama commended General Diop’s efforts to engage the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), emphasising the importance of sustained dialogue between ECOWAS and the countries that have withdrawn from the regional bloc.
The two leaders acknowledged that terrorism, violent extremism and other security threats transcended national borders and required coordinated regional responses.
The meeting also addressed the proposed ECO single currency, with President Mahama advocating a coalition of willing countries that have satisfied the required economic convergence criteria to begin its implementation rather than waiting for all member states.
The President further reaffirmed Ghana’s readiness to host the proposed West African Central Bank and the West African Monetary Institute to provide the institutional support required for the currency’s introduction.
General Diop, on his part, commended Ghana for remaining up to date with its financial contributions to ECOWAS and encouraged other member states to emulate the country’s example.
President Mahama is expected to participate in the next ECOWAS summit, anticipated to take place next month, as regional leaders continue discussions on economic integration, security and cooperation.
Story by : Wisdom Hededzome
