The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) marked its 50th anniversary today in Liberia, celebrating a half-century of regional cooperation, peacebuilding, and economic integration across West Africa.
The event which is held under the theme “Stronger Together for a Better Future,” was attended by a distinguished gathering, including Liberia’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Counselor D.Y. Green, the Deputy Minister representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, members of the Liberian Cabinet, diplomatic corps, government officials, and representatives from ECOWAS institutions and development partners. ECOWAS Resident Representative to Liberia Josephine Nkrumah expressed deep appreciation for the attendees’ “This day honors the visionary legacy of our founding fathers in 1975,” the representative stated. “Their dream of a unified, prosperous West Africa laid the foundation for the regional strength we celebrate today, she added.
The ceremony highlighted Liberia’s significant role within ECOWAS, tracing back to the Sanikweli meeting in 1959 and President William V.S. Tubman’s call in 1964 for a regional economic union—an idea that culminated in the formation of ECOWAS in 1975 by 16 member states. Liberia’s enduring contributions to peace, integration, and democratic governance were lauded throughout the event.
Ambassador Nkrumah, also noted ECOWAS’s transformative support to Liberia was showcased through numerous projects across health, infrastructure, energy, and digital transformation. Notable achievements include the construction and renovation of medical facilities in border communities, electrification projects in partnership with the West African Power Pool, and support for women-led renewable energy ventures.
She named healthcare initiatives, particularly in response to Ebola and COVID-19, included the provision of vaccines, ventilators, and medical supplies as some of the regional body’s contribution to Liberia over the years. Additionally, a soon-to-be-completed rehabilitation center in Old Clay County aims to address drug dependency, while vital surgeries and reintegration programs for women reaffirm ECOWAS’s commitment to public well-being.
Infrastructure projects such as the Kavala Bridge, linking Liberia to Côte d’Ivoire, and the joint border post at Goldwater and Jandema were also spotlighted for their role in facilitating trade and regional connectivity.
ECOWAS’s collaboration with Liberia’s National Elections Commission, National Commission on Arms, and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications illustrates the organization’s broad commitment to governance and digital development.
Counselor D.Y. Green, standing in for the Foreign Minister currently campaigning for Liberia’s UN Security Council seat, emphasized that the anniversary is not merely a celebration of history but of resilience, unity, and a shared commitment to regional prosperity.
“This milestone is a powerful reminder of what we have accomplished together and what remains to be achieved,” she said, applauding Liberia’s leadership in gender equality, especially with the election of Africa’s first female president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
As Liberia continues to champion democratic values, youth empowerment, and gender inclusion, ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to support the nation’s journey forward, guided by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s vision to elevate Liberia’s role regionally and globally.
The event concluded with a heartfelt toast to continued unity and cooperation: “Long live Liberia, long live ECOWAS, and may we remain stronger together for a better future.”
As part of the activities marking the 50th Anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Government of Liberia on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 launched a year-long celebration in Monrovia.
During the official ceremony, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cllr. Deweh E. Gray, paid heartfelt tribute to the gallant men and women of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) who served during Liberia’s civil crisis.
Speaking at the ECOWAS at 50 launch event, Acting Minister Gray underscored the significance of the regional body’s golden jubilee as a major milestone in its history. She emphasized that the celebration is deeply meaningful for Liberia, reminding the nation of the collective resilience of its people and the enduring values of peace and unity across the West African region.
“This anniversary is not just a commemoration of the passage of time but a celebration of the courage, strength, and determination of the Liberian people,” said Acting Minister Gray. “It is also a reminder of the powerful role ECOWAS has played in restoring peace and advancing unity within our region.”
She hailed ECOWAS for its pivotal contributions to the socio-economic transformation of West Africa, noting that the organization has made significant strides in promoting peace, enhancing regional trade, and harmonizing policies across member states. These efforts, she said, have led to increased economic growth and the creation of new opportunities for citizens across the subregion.
“Through ECOWAS, we have embarked on numerous transformative projects in infrastructure, agriculture, and energy that have improved the lives of millions,” Minister Gray stated. “In Liberia’s case, ECOWAS went beyond trade to peacekeeping, stepping in when our nation was engulfed in conflict.”
Minister Gray’s remarks paid special homage to ECOMOG, the regional peacekeeping force that intervened during Liberia’s civil war. She expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by ECOWAS member states in restoring stability and rebuilding the country’s institutions.
Also speaking at the event was Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah, ECOWAS Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission in Liberia. Ambassador Nkrumah reflected on the founding of ECOWAS in 1975, highlighting the bold vision of its founding fathers who aspired to build a united and prosperous West African community.
She noted that the 50th anniversary celebration is anchored on the theme: “Stronger Together for a Better Future.”
“On May 28, we celebrate the visionary spirit of those who, five decades ago, dared to imagine a West Africa rooted in solidarity and collective progress,” said Ambassador Nkrumah. “Liberia holds a cherished place in the ECOWAS family. Through its journey from conflict to peace, Liberia has demonstrated the transformative impact ECOWAS can have in the areas of conflict resolution and peacebuilding.”
Ambassador Nkrumah further noted that ECOWAS’s work in Liberia is a testament to its tangible support and impact-driven interventions. She pointed to key achievements such as the construction and renovation of medical facilities serving cross-border communities in Bo Waterside, as well as housing initiatives for immigration officers in border towns across Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, and Maryland counties.
The colorful ceremony was attended by a wide range of dignitaries, including members of the Liberian Cabinet, the Doyen and members of the Diplomatic Corps, heads of government institutions, and representatives from civil society and the private sector.
The year-long celebration in Liberia will include a series of activities highlighting ECOWAS’s role in regional integration, peacekeeping, trade, and development. It will also showcase Liberia’s contributions and gains as a founding member of the community.
As ECOWAS marks five decades of existence, Liberia joins other member states in reaffirming its commitment to the vision of a peaceful, integrated, and prosperous West Africa one where citizens can live, work, and thrive together in unity.
Thanks to ECOWAS for supporting Liberia through the years…