President of Ghana Akufo-Addo elected as chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been elected as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

He was elected at the ongoing 57th ECOWAS Summit, which is being held in Niamey, capital of Niger and replaces Nigerien President, Muhamadou Issoufour.

West African leaders gathered in the Nigerien capital, Niamey for the 57th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

President Akufo-Addo on Monday, September 7, 2020 led the Ghanaian delegation to the meeting , which is discussing matters pertaining to the COVID-19 situation in West Africa, the ECOWAS Single Currency Programme, and the political impasse in Mali.

Additionally, the leaders were also expected to consider reports form the 44th Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council at the Ministerial Level, and the 84th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, which preceded the Summit.

Among other leaders who traveled to Niamey for the Summit include Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, Senegal’s President Macky Sall and Gambia’s President Adama Barrow.

ECOWAS has been at the frontline in trying to resolve the political crisis in Mali.

Mali’s military ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar on August 18 following weeks of protests in the country.

The 75-year-old and his Prime Minister Boubou Cisse were arrested alongside other government officials after the move by the military.

Keita was held in detention for 10 days, with the military justifying the move saying it was necessary for his own security.

He was flown abroad for medical treatment upon his release.

The Minister of Finance in Ghana, Mr Ken Ofori Atta is among Ghana’s delegation at the summit.