The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Council of Ministers has endorsed Ghana’s petition to the African Union (AU) against xenophobia, marking a significant boost for the country’s efforts to promote tolerance, unity and the protection of the rights of Africans across the continent.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the development in a Facebook post on Sunday, July 19, while attending meetings of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Sierra Leone ahead of the summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government.
According to the minister, the Council also gave its unconditional backing to the Accra Next Steps Commitments on Reparatory Justice, reinforcing regional support for Ghana’s advocacy on historical justice and African solidarity.
“I commend the ECOWAS Council of Ministers for declaring full support for Ghana’s petition to the African Union against xenophobia and for their unconditional endorsement of the Accra Next Steps Commitments on Reparatory Justice,” Mr Ablakwa stated.
He described the endorsement as a demonstration of the growing consensus among West African nations on the need to confront xenophobia and advance initiatives that promote justice, unity and respect for human dignity across Africa.
The Foreign Affairs Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to championing policies that foster continental integration and safeguard the rights of all Africans.
“We shall keep working tirelessly towards the attainment of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s dream of a united, tolerant and prosperous Africa,” he added.
Mr Ablakwa is part of Ghana’s delegation participating in the ECOWAS Council of Ministers meeting in Sierra Leone, where ministers are preparing the agenda for the summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government.
The high-level meeting is expected to focus on key political, economic and security challenges confronting the West African sub-region, as leaders seek to strengthen regional cooperation and integration.
