In recent weeks, ECOWAS has extended invitations to Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—countries that voluntarily exited the regional bloc citing sovereignty, security, and governance concerns. However, many observers across West Africa argue that these overtures are premature and misaligned with the current realities on the ground, especially given the glaring internal deficiencies within ECOWAS itself.
Critics contend that Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are on a determined path to rebuild their nations with a focus on transparency and prioritization of citizen welfare, while many of the traditional ECOWAS states, including Ghana, are steeped in political dishonesty, entrenched corruption, and broken promises to their people.
Ghana presents a vivid case. President John Mahama, who returned to power with a raft of bold promises, is now under scrutiny. During his campaign, he pledged to repeal the controversial Legislative Instrument (LI) that permitted mining in forest reserves and water bodies—a practice responsible for widespread environmental degradation. Yet, nearly 100 days into office, his stance has shifted from repealing the LI to merely amending it.
Similarly, campaign assurances to increase cocoa prices and swiftly pass anti-LGBTQ legislation have been reneged. Taxes remain disproportionately high, and illicit financial flows continue to exploit the real estate sector, turning Ghana into a haven for money laundering. Cybercrime and internet fraud are also on the rise, eroding public confidence in law enforcement and regulatory institutions.
Many citizens are calling for sweeping constitutional reforms. There is a growing sentiment that ex-gratia payments must be scrapped, members of parliament should no longer double as ministers, and state officials—especially those in top offices—must personally finance their vehicles and accept their roles as public servants rather than self-serving elites.
Furthermore, there is an urgent call to remove the political power to appoint key figures such as the Chief Justice, Electoral Commissioner, and Inspector General of Police from the executive arm of government. Such appointments have too often undermined the independence of state institutions.
Ultimately, this is not just about ECOWAS membership or diplomacy—it is about leadership by example. Before inviting others to rejoin, the regional bloc must address its own internal contradictions. Systems, laws, and institutions should take precedence over favoritism and patronage. Until then, extending invitations to reform-minded breakaway nations may not only be unwelcome but counterproductive.
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