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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 35340, member: 636"]
West African leaders want to build their economic group on past wins and seek deeper ties for growth across the region. Ghana hosted the kickoff event on Tuesday for ECOWAS's 50th anniversary. President John Mahama helped show off the new birthday logo. The celebration runs all year with events across member countries.

The birthday theme says nations grow stronger together for a brighter future. It points to how teamwork can create good lives for everyone. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said this birthday makes people think about early struggles. He praised five decades of progress toward shared dreams and called for leaders to ensure that regular citizens benefit from regional plans.

Ablakwa told people that member countries paid for the celebration costs, not just Ghana taxpayers. The economic group started on May 28, 1975, when leaders signed an agreement in Lagos. Former Ghana President Akufo-Addo attended with Liberian President Joseph Boakai. The Gambian vice president came along with top ECOWAS officials. Ministers will soon meet about three countries that left the group.

These talks will prepare for the next big summit meeting. Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger broke away to create their new Sahel alliance. Leaders must figure out what this split means for the region. Despite these challenges, ECOWAS continues planning its golden anniversary activities.
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