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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 34071, member: 636"] Ghana has reached out to military governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, inviting them to celebrate ECOWAS's golden anniversary. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the goodwill gesture during a press conference on Thursday. The move aims to rebuild relationships and strengthen regional cooperation after recent political tensions. ECOWAS members will gather at the Accra International Conference Centre on April 22 to mark the organization's half-century milestone. President John Dramani Mahama hopes the invitation will bridge diplomatic gaps between member states. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other regional leaders will attend the high-profile event. The ceremony will showcase ECOWAS's 50th-anniversary logo and introduce a year-long celebration theme. An Extraordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers will follow on April 22 and 23. Foreign and finance ministers will discuss pressing regional challenges. Ablakwa emphasized the organization's transformative impact across West Africa. ECOWAS has championed trade liberalization, freedom of movement, and regional infrastructure development. The Trade Liberalisation Scheme and West African Power Pool represent significant regional achievements. The minister highlighted the organization's commitment to connecting people across national boundaries. He stressed that ECOWAS's success lies in improving everyday lives for citizens. Ghana has assembled a Planning Committee to coordinate celebration preparations. The committee will work closely with the ECOWAS Commission and manage logistical arrangements. ECOWAS will cover most celebration expenses, with Ghana providing additional support. The anniversary represents an opportunity to recommit to regional unity and collaboration. Preparations are underway to make the event a memorable milestone for West African cooperation. The celebration arrives at a critical moment for regional diplomacy. Recently, some member states formed the Alliance of Sahel States and withdrew from ECOWAS. The invitation signals a diplomatic approach to resolving ongoing tensions. Regional leaders hope the anniversary will reinvigorate collective goals and shared aspirations. Ghana stands ready to lead conversations about ECOWAS's future direction. [/QUOTE]

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