“The Operational Manual was adopted with a view of harmonizing the structures, enhancing the performance and ensuring effective monitoring of the implementation of ECOWAS programmes at the national level,” Vice President of the Commission Dr. Toga Gayewea McIntosh said in Accra, Ghana on Saturday 25^th April 2015, at the closing ceremony of a three-day meeting of Heads of ECOWAS National Offices.

He urged the participants to make effective use of the Manual, adopted by the 71^st Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in December 2013, to drive the regional integration process.

The Vice President mentioned the celebration of the ECOWAS 40^th Anniversary, this year, which, he said would involve honouring the vision of the founding fathers and raising awareness on the achievements of the regional organization created in May 1975.

To this end, he said the Commission would organize a series of events, and produce documentaries coupled with publicity campaigns across the region.

The chair of the ECOWAS National Offices, Mrs.Sena Siaw-Boateng, of Ghana, emphasized the need for Member States to raise their level of cooperation in support of regional integration efforts.

“This Manual is crucial in the sense that it will regulate the conduct of affairs of our National Offices, especially in the discharge of the mandate of the Office and the utilization of the subvention allocated to promote integration programmes in our respective countries.” she affirmed.

The ECOWAS Director for External Relations, Dr. Jonas Hemou identified “Coordination, Communication and Continuity” as three key factors that will mitigate challenges and enhance the implementation of the Operational Manual.

He urged National Offices to take ownership of the Commission’s new website by working with the Communication Directorate to enrich the web content and data on regional integration programmes and activities, and boost the organization’s visibility.

The Heads of ECOWAS National offices meet annually to share experiences and discuss progress on regional integration programmes. The Accra meeting featured reports on the Operational Manual.

Participants also shared experiences on preparations for the ECOWAS 40^th Anniversary celebrations in Member States, including planned essay competitions, cultural events, community development and environmental programmes, among others.

Also present at the meeting was Ambassador Leslie Kojo Christian, Chief Director at Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, who represented the Chairman of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, Honourable Hanna Serwa Tetteh, as well as officials of the ECOWAS Commission.

Directorate of Communication