GCTU Celebrates 49th ECOWAS Anniversary
The ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, Mr. Baba Gana Wakil, has said the future of ECOWAS hinges on the active participation and innovative contributions of the youth.
He made the remark at the 49th Anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) hosted by GCTU on Tuesday, 28th May 2024.
The event, themed “ECOWAS Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow,” was graced by the presence of notable dignitaries, including the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana who served as the guest of honour.
In his keynote address, Mr. Wakil highlighted the strategic importance of ECOWAS’s initiatives and the pivotal role that youth, particularly students of technology, play in the future of the region. “Today, we are all citizens of ECOWAS, united in our goal to drive economic integration, peace, and security across our region,” Mr. Wakil declared. He emphasized the need for digital transformation and the role of educational institutions like GCTU in achieving these objectives.
Mr. Wakil underscored four key strategic objectives of ECOWAS: enhancing regional peace and security, fostering economic integration, promoting good governance, and ensuring inclusive and sustainable development. He pointed out that the future of ECOWAS hinges on the active participation and innovative contributions of the youth, encouraging them to form ECOWAS digital clubs and engage in activities that align with the region’s developmental goals.
The Vice-Chancellor of GCTU, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, who opened the ceremony with a warm welcome, expressed his pride in GCTU’s selection as the host institution for this significant event. “It is a distinct honour and privilege to host such an important event within this institution, and I am delighted to see so many of you here today,” Prof. Afoakwa stated.
He lauded the collaborative spirit between ECOWAS and GCTU and emphasized the University’s commitment to contributing to the region’s development through quality education and technological innovation.
Prof. Afoakwa also highlighted GCTU’s rapid growth and its ambitious goals for the future, emphasizing the institution’s focus on producing highly qualified professors and fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence.
“Our commitment to the provision of quality education that focuses on the holistic development of our students aligns with ECOWAS’s dedication to using education as a vehicle for building a prosperous and cohesive West Africa,” he noted.
The programme also featured the Pro Vice-Chancellor of GCTU, Prof. Robert Ebo Hinson, who shared his personal experiences and reflections on the importance of regional collaboration and the future of work in West Africa. He said, “Today, I’ve had the best ECOWAS experience, witnessing firsthand the spirit of unity and progress that defines our region.”
A highlight of the celebration was a quiz competition which tested participants’ knowledge of ECOWAS, giving some participants the platform to win various prizes. This interactive segment underscored the importance of engaging the youth in regional affairs and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the community’s development.
The presence of a delegation from the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) of Sierra Leone added a unique touch to the event, symbolizing the unity and collaborative efforts of ECOWAS member states.
As the celebration concluded, attendees were reminded of the critical role they needed to play in shaping the future of ECOWAS. “Together, let us celebrate our unity, our shared aspirations, and our collective achievements,” Prof. Afoakwa urged.
This historic event at GCTU reaffirms the role of universities as key players in the pursuit of the vision and objectives of ECOWAS.
