Parliaments within the ECOWAS sub-region have been called upon to proactively develop policies aimed at addressing the root causes of instability in West Africa.
This call was made by the Member of Parliament for Ho West, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, in a statement delivered on the floor of Ghana’s Parliament on Thursday as part of the ECOWAS @ 50 celebrations.
“Our people are looking up to us not just for legislation and debate, but for progress and policies that promote inclusive governance, empowering all segments of society to foster sustainable development that benefits both present and future generations,” Mr. Bedzrah stated.
He emphasized that ECOWAS parliamentarians must rise to the occasion not merely as political actors, but as stewards of the region. He urged them to hold the Executive arms of government accountable, ensuring transparency, responsiveness, and meaningful citizen participation in decision-making processes.
Mr. Bedzrah, who also serves as a Member of the ECOWAS Parliament, advocated for deeper involvement in conflict resolution initiatives. He stressed the need to prioritize dialogue, mediation, and reconciliation over violence and confrontation, which he said would help rebuild trust among member states and between governments and their citizens.
“We must show the political will to act decisively, collectively, and with urgency. This is not a time for despair, but a time for leadership, moral vision, and courage,” he declared.
Highlighting the growing threats to ECOWAS unity, Mr. Bedzrah noted the recent decision by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to withdraw from the bloc following military coups, citing it as a major challenge to regional cohesion and stability.
“West Africa is at a crossroads. The fragmentation we are witnessing—driven by political unrest and security threats, poses a serious risk to the future of ECOWAS,” he warned.
He called for a moment of introspection during the golden jubilee celebrations, urging leaders to acknowledge both the region’s accomplishments and its current challenges.
“As we celebrate 50 years of ECOWAS, we must confront the hard truths. While we have achieved much, we are now facing complex and multifaceted challenges that threaten to undo decades of progress.”
Mr. Bedzrah also acknowledged the responsibility of parliamentarians in the current crisis, noting that public trust in democratic institutions is waning.
“We must accept our share of responsibility. We have not always lived up to the expectations of our people. The erosion of public trust in institutions, particularly parliaments, is deeply concerning and must be addressed with urgency and sincerity,” he concluded.
Story By: Michael Abayatey
