ECOWAS Commission Concludes Regional Conference on Youth Participation in Governance
Sierra Leone Telegraph: 10 May 2025
Youth Empowerment Takes Center Stage at ECOWAS Conference
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, through its Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS), in collaboration with the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), successfully concluded a three-day Regional Conference on Sustainable Participation of Youth in Governance. Held from May 7-9, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, the event marked a significant step toward enhancing youth involvement in democratic processes across West Africa.
Theme and Objectives
Under the theme “Harnessing Youth Agency in Deepening Democratic Governance and Inclusive Development,” the conference served as a flagship initiative by ECOWAS to foster constructive youth engagement. Key objectives included:
- Promoting youth-led governance initiatives
- Developing strategies for sustainable youth participation
- Strengthening intergenerational collaboration in policymaking
Key Highlights from the Conference
Opening Remarks and Government Support
Honourable George Opare Addo, Ghana’s Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, welcomed participants and commended ECOWAS for selecting Ghana as the host country. He emphasized the alignment of the conference with Ghana’s national priorities and encouraged attendees to engage in meaningful discussions that would yield actionable solutions.
ECOWAS Commissioner’s Address
Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (represented by Mr. Ebenezer Asiedu), announced plans to institutionalize the conference as an annual event. He highlighted:
- The critical role of youth in shaping West Africa’s future
- Challenges in youth political participation despite their majority in electorates
- The need for governments to implement youth-focused policies
International Support and Goodwill Messages
Representatives from the European Union and German Embassy underscored the importance of youth empowerment for sustainable development and political stability in the region. They praised ECOWAS for creating a platform to address barriers to youth participation in governance.
Participants and Supporting Organizations
The conference brought together:
- ECOWAS officials and diplomatic representatives
- Youth leaders from across West Africa
- Civil society organizations and human rights activists
The event was supported by the ECOWAS Peace, Security and Governance (EPSG) project, funded by the European Union and German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, with implementation partners including GIZ and Expertise France.