Celebration of 49th Anniversary of ECOWAS at University of communication and technology of Accra, Ghana: Role of Communication Technology in advancing digital transformation of the Region

As part of series of activities organised by the ECOWAS Representation in Ghana to mark the 49th anniversary of ECOWAS, H.E. Ambassador Baba Gana Wakil, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, delivered a lecture at the University of Communication and Technology in Accra on Tuesday, 28th May 2024.

The Anniversary lecture which took place in the University Auditorium was on the topic:  “ECOWAS YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW” where some 150 students were in attendance. The event was also graced by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Afoakwa, and other Faculty and Academic Staff of the University.

Professor Emmanuel Afoakwa, who welcomed the Ambassador Baba Gana Wakil, expressed his appreciation to the leadership of ECOWAS for choosing the university to host this year’s ECOWAS Day celebration in Ghana.

The Keynote address of the Resident Representative focused on the role of Communication Technology in advancing digital transformation of the ECOWAS region to achieve economic prosperity. Beyond the economic landscape, digital tools and techniques have also become relevant in the socio-political environment where cyber security and data analytics are now widely used in the fight against terrorism and other transnational crimes.

“The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has pledged its commitment to enhance regional peace and security, with emphasis on security architecture and early warning signals” said the Ambassador Baba Gana Wakil.

He added that enhancing regional peace and security is considered a number one priority of the regional bloc, giving the prevailing realities in the regional environment.

Ambassador Baba Gana Wakil noted that critical issues such as the implementation of Regional Action Plan against land and sea banditry and terrorism, operationalisation of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) are placed on the front-burner, along with renewed focus on the role of Regional Mediators and Facilitators such as the ECOWAS Committee of the Wise (Committee of Elders).

The overall aim of the programme was to educate and engage university students on the importance of communication technology in pursuance of ECOWAS objectives.