WRCC and MFARI organises regional sensitisation workshop on ECOWAS protocol

Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration (MFARI) have organised the first Regional Sensitisation workshop on ECOWAS Protocol post-Covid-19 in the Western Region.

The two-day workshop from 2nd to 3rd March 2022, is to sensitize the media and other stakeholders on the importance of ECOWAS and their activities.

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Kwaku Apretwum Sarpong who was at the event addressed participants saying, the workshop will help promote economic development among member states, protect citizens trading among member states as well as inform them on the changing trends at the economic market.

Speaking to Skyy News at the sidelines of the event, the Minister explained that, most citizens are not aware of the importance, benefits and relevance of ECOWAS and this workshop is to sensitize the media and other stakeholders to educate and spread the word for them to take advantage of these benefits.

He said, “There is free movement for citizens of ECOWAS states to any member country, there is no need for any documentation and all you will need is a Ghana card…..you can stay for a maximum of 90 days in these countries and nobody will ask you of any documentation.”

“Also citizens can export their goods to sell in any of the ECOWAS member states without being prevented or paying for any export charges…as far as the product is locally made or produced in any of the member states.”

Mr Sarpong indicated it is important for citizens to know about these benefits so they take advantage of them and in the process, raise their own standard of living through opportunities in different countries.

The Western Regional Minister, Mr Kwabena Okyere-Darko Mensah who was also at the event stressed the fact that the sensitisation program is important for citizens of the region to be aware of the benefits and take advantage to raise their standard of living which guarantees a bright future.

Also, since the Western Region shares a border with Cote d’Ivoire and other member states, it is important for citizens to use this opportunity since remittances from Ghanaian citizens in foreign countries has contributed positively to the economy.

The Minister also noted that travelling to an ECOWAS country is the best option since migrants’ rights are protected and prioritised than any other country.

Speaking on the ECOWAS vision 2020 which is an effort to galvanize grassroots interest and support for the regional integration process, he noted that ECOWAS has achieved a lot since this process and he will urge members of the region to take advantage and do more business in community states.