Winneba To Host 2023 ECOWAS Parliament

Winneba, in the Effutu Constituency of the Central Region will in September this year, host the Extra Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament.

The hosting of the session in Ghana, is part of the sub-regional integration process of bringing governance to the doorsteps of the people.

This will be the second time Winneba will host the ECOWAS Parliament, which convenes twice a year.

Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu and also the Deputy Majority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament Mr Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin announced this when he interacted with journalists after leading a Ghanaian delegation to Monrovia, Liberia, at the end of a joint delocalised meeting.

He reminded Journalists from member countries that in 2021, Winneba successfully hosted a delocalised meeting and an Extra Ordinary Session.

“We are optimistic that this will be better than before. The Ghanaian government will put in place the necessary protocols for all MPs, focal persons and staff, security arrangements will be in place. Winneba, which is the capital of my constituency, is just an hour’s drive from Accra on a good road,” he assured.

Mr Afenyo-Markin, a Member of the ECOWAS Parliament noted that Members were already used to that route with facilities going to be there to host.

“As I did indicate, we hope to make it a pleasurable time, profitable time for all; we encourage all of you to come and take part in the programme,” he assured.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin explained that the Conference being hosted out of the nation’s capital would bring governance to the doorsteps of the people and create an opportunity for the region by way of putting it on the visibility map for development.

“This will also allow Member States not only to connect to build consensus towards ECOWAS Development but also an opportunity to travel outside the capital city to familiarise themselves with neighbour countries,” he said.

He also told Journalists that international programmes created opportunities for growth, development and tourism.

The Effutu MP pointed out that Winneba being the capital of one of the Municipalities in the Central Region was more than ready to welcome the ECOWAS delegation.

The Session, according to him, will also market the region, the Effutu Constituency and the city which was a coastal city for greater opportunities.

The Deputy Majority leader emphasised that such Sessions usually showcase facilities for development, urging his colleagues to push for more opportunities and take advantage of such possibilities.

“We cannot always over-concentrate in the capital cities; we need to move out and spread opportunity to the people,” he maintained.

First session  

The 2023 First Ordinary Session of Parliament, opened on Monday, May 8, 2023, in Abuja and ended on Friday, May 26, 2023.

The session was convened under Article 21.1 of the Supplementary Act relating to the enhancement of the powers of the ECOWAS Parliament, which provided that Parliament should meet twice a year in Ordinary Sessions to provide a platform to deliberate and strengthen Member States’ position on issues of regional and continental importance.

As provided for in Article 32 of the supplementary Act, the Session also provides the President of the ECOWAS Commission to present a general report on the implementation of the Community Work Programme to the Plenary.

This allows the House to be updated on developments in the Community and followed by debates, expressed opinions and recommendations. Further, National Delegates also have the chance to present their country’s reports to inform the Body of unfolding developments in their respective Member States and the status of implementation of their community’s texts.