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Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has commended President Julius Maada Bio for inviting former President Ernest Bai Koroma to attend the recent ECOWAS Summit, describing the gesture as a reflection of political maturity and statesmanship.
Speaking on the sidelines of the high-level regional meeting, President Mahama said the decision demonstrated a commitment to unity, reconciliation, and democratic tolerance, adding that Sierra Leone continues to provide a positive example within the West African sub-region.
The 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held in Lungi, Sierra Leone, brought together regional leaders to deliberate on key issues affecting West Africa, including security challenges, democratic governance, economic cooperation, and constitutional order.
Discussions at the summit focused on rising insecurity, particularly in the Sahel region, with leaders emphasising the need for stronger regional collaboration in addressing terrorism and political instability. They also highlighted the importance of strengthening democratic institutions, respecting constitutional frameworks, and promoting inclusive governance.
On economic matters, ECOWAS leaders reviewed measures aimed at increasing intra-regional trade, improving economic resilience, and accelerating regional integration through initiatives such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and other development programmes.
President Bio’s invitation of Dr Koroma to the summit came amid ongoing efforts to promote national dialogue and political reconciliation. The participation of the former president alongside other regional leaders was seen as a symbol of Sierra Leone’s commitment to peaceful political engagement and national cohesion.
Meanwhile, the summit also marked a transition in the leadership of ECOWAS, as Senegal’s President assumed the chairmanship of the regional bloc, succeeding President Bio, who had served as ECOWAS Chairman since June 2025.
The new ECOWAS Chair is expected to lead efforts aimed at advancing regional integration, peace and security, and economic development among member states.
