ECOWAS Holds 3-Day Regional Conference on Youth Participation in Governance

08 May, 2025

Accra Hosts Landmark Event to Empower West African Youth

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, through its Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS), in partnership with the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), is hosting a crucial 3-day Regional Conference on Sustainable Youth Participation in Governance. The event runs from May 7-9, 2025 in Accra, Ghana.

Theme and Objectives

Under the theme “Harnessing Youth Agency in Deepening Democratic Governance and Inclusive Development”, this flagship program aims to create a platform for meaningful youth engagement in democratic processes. The conference focuses on promoting youth-led initiatives and developing practical strategies to enhance sustainable participation in governance across the ECOWAS region.

Keynote Addresses

Honourable George Opare Addo, Ghana’s Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, welcomed participants, praising ECOWAS for selecting Ghana as host. He highlighted the conference’s alignment with Ghana’s government priorities and encouraged active participation to develop lasting solutions.

Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (represented by Mr. Ebenezer Asiedu), announced plans to make this an annual event. He emphasized ECOWAS’s commitment to youth empowerment and expressed concern about declining youth participation in governance despite their numerical majority in electorates.

International Support

Representatives from the European Union and German Embassy delivered goodwill messages, stressing the importance of youth involvement for sustainable development and political stability in West Africa.

Participants and Support

The conference brought together:

• ECOWAS officials
• Youth leaders
• Pro-democracy advocates
• Human rights activists

The event is supported by the ECOWAS Peace, Security and Governance (EPSG) project, funded by the EU and German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by GIZ, Expertise France, and FIAP.

Source: ECOWAS Official Website