The ECOWAS Commission and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) began a workshop in Accra, Ghana, on 12 October 2026. Participants gathered to implement the ECOWAS Inter-Institutional Communication Strategy and the ECOWAS Institutions Information and Communication Policy for 2026–2031. This initiative supports regional integration and the ECOWAS Vision 2050.
The primary objective of this gathering is to ensure the practical application of the ECOWAS Inter-Institutional Communication Strategy. The workshop aims to implement the ECOWAS Institutions Information and Communication Policy for 2026–2031. By focusing on these two frameworks, the organizers intend to streamline how information is disseminated across the various bodies within the regional bloc. This initiative supports regional integration and the ECOWAS Vision 2050, providing a structured approach to how the organization communicates its long-term goals to the public and its member states.
Mr Joel AHOFODJI, Director of Communication at the ECOWAS Commission, stated: "The workshop marks a critical step towards moving from the adoption of the policy and strategy to their effective implementation."
Mr Joel AHOFODJI noted that the transition from a conceptual document to a functional operational framework is a priority for the commission. By convening in Accra, the participants are expected to align their internal communication protocols with the broader objectives outlined in the 2026–2031 policy. This alignment is viewed as a necessary component for the success of the ECOWAS Vision 2050, which serves as the guiding roadmap for the organization's development efforts across the region.
Lilian Seffer, representing GIZ, said: "Effective communication is essential to fostering citizens’ understanding of, trust in and engagement with the regional integration process."
Lilian Seffer emphasized that the partnership between the ECOWAS Commission and GIZ is centered on enhancing the transparency and accessibility of institutional information. By improving these communication channels, the organizers hope to build a stronger connection between the regional organization and the people it serves. The workshop serves as a platform for stakeholders to share best practices and develop standardized approaches to messaging that can be applied consistently across all ECOWAS institutions.
Ambassador Mohammed Lawan GANA, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, added: "ECOWAS is operating at a decisive moment in its history, as the information landscape undergoes rapid transformation driven by technological advances, including artificial intelligence."
Ambassador Mohammed Lawan GANA noted that the shift in media consumption and information dissemination requires a modern approach to communication. The implementation of the ECOWAS Inter-Institutional Communication Strategy is designed to help the organization navigate these changes effectively. By addressing the challenges posed by the modern information landscape, the ECOWAS Commission aims to maintain its relevance and authority in the region. The workshop in Accra represents a collaborative effort to ensure that all internal departments are equipped with the tools and policies needed to communicate clearly and effectively throughout the 2026–2031 period. Through these efforts, the organization seeks to reinforce its commitment to regional integration and the realization of the ECOWAS Vision 2050.
