PRESIDENT Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana on Friday May 26, in Monrovia, paid a courtesy visit to members of the administration and finance committee, AFC, of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, which started on Thursday, May25, in the Liberian capital for their 21st meeting.

He was received by Benedict Roberts, the AFC chair and head of the ECOWAS National Unit in Liberia, alongside Edward Singhatey, the ECOWAS commission vice president.
In a brief statement, Nana Akufo-Addo recalled the role and importance of the ECOWAS in achieving regional integration and improving the living conditions of West African people. He introduced to the AFC members Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, Ghana’s new foreign affairs minister, and explained the rationale behind his visit to Liberia.

“I have formed my government, and I am currently paying a visit to my peers in the sub-region to express to them my appreciation after my inauguration and discuss regional matters with them. I am today in Monrovia to meet with my Liberian counterpart, Mrs Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,” he stated.

Prior to meeting Johnson Sirleaf, Nana Akufo-Addo was first expected to receive the key to the city of Monrovia, as is customary at the Liberian capital City Hall for any head of state visiting Liberia for the first time.

The key was presented to him by Clara Doe Mvogo, mayor of Monrovia, at the City Hall, where the 21st ECOWAS AFC meeting is currently holding.

With respect to the 21st AFC meeting, it will mainly feature presentations.  In this regard, delegates will consider, inter alia, the status of tasks assigned to Community Institutions, the financial situation of the regional organisation and the ECOWAS organogram.

They would equally discuss the new policy on issuance of ECOWAS Laissez-Passer, as well as Standard Operating Procedures for death and disability compensation to soldiers on peacekeeping duties.

It is worth noting that Marcel de Souza, the ECOWAS commission president, on the same Friday morning briefly answered questions from the AFC members on the internal functioning of the commission.

—  May 29, 2017 @ 12:00 GMT