Commerce WASSCE (PC), 2017

Question 7

 

Mention Six countries that are members of ECOWAS.

State three factors that hinder the achievement of ECOWAS objectives.

List four objectives of the Niger Basin Commission.

 

 

Observation

 

Most candidates could not spell correctly the names of ECOWAS member states. Others only listed the factors without explanation. The objectives of the Niger Basin Commission were poorly states.

The expected responses to the question include:

(a)      Members of ECOWAS

  1. Nigeria
  2. Senegal
  3. Ghana
  4. Sierra Leone
  5. Guinea
  6. Burkina Faso
  7. Liberia
  8. Mali
  9. Niger Republic                                              

         (b)      Factors Hindering achievement of ECOWAS Objectives

  1. Fear of domination – members are always suspicious and afraid of each  

          other because of the uneven development in the region.

  1. Currency differences - the differences in currency among member nations  

had made the transfer of capital difficult and also reduced trading activities.
(iii)     Cultural and Language differences – members have different cultures and
languages which inhibit proper integration.

  1. Political Instability - the constant changes in government among member nations as a result of coups lead to political instability in the sub-regions.
  2. Political Ideology/Colonial Ties - the West African region is split into

French and English Speaking countries. Member countries still lean to their colonial masters.

  1. Contribution from members – the irregular payment of fund by members adversely affect the achievement of the ECOWAS objectives.
  2. Failure of members to Implement Resolutions:-  Members of the sub-region fail to implement resolutions.

 

Lack of infrastructural facilities:-  Infrastructural facilities are not adequate in most of the member countries.

                                               
(c)        Objectives of the Niger Basin Commission

  1. To ensure the most effective utilization of the resource of the River basin including navigation.
  2. To streamline the construction of dams on the River Niger.
  3. To collect, evaluate and dissimilate data on the basin.
  4. To promote studies on the agricultural potentials of the River Niger.

   

  1. To draw up general regulations to ensure implementation on the principles set forth in the Act of Niamey.
  2. To enhance economic co-operation and development among its members.
  3. To undertake schemes to control flood, erosion and pollution.