Question 9
(a) List three objectives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
(b) Highlight four successes of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) since its inception.
Observation
This was a popular question. The performance of the candidates who answered it was slightly above average. They provided relevant answers to the question; thus scored good marks. The candidates were expected to provide the following answers to the question.
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- To foster co-operation and development among member states in all fields of economic activities.
- To establish unified custom duties and tariffs on imports and exports among member countries.
- To eliminate obstacles restricting the free movement of persons, services, and capital among member states.
- To harmonize agricultural policies and promote common projects in member states in the field of marketing, research with respect to agro-industrial activities etc.
- To provide joint schemes/projects in the field of transportation, communication and energy requirements.
- Harmonization of conditions of proper functioning of the community out of the monetary policy of the member states.
- The establishment of a fund for co-operation, compensation and development.
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- A strong sub-regional body uniting several governments and people across the region.
- Facilitates easy movement of people, goods and services across member countries.
- Maintenance of regional peace and security through the deployment of armed forces in conflict areas. E.g. (ECOMOG).
- Inter-state trading among member states.
- Creation of employment opportunities for the people of the sub-region.
- Fostering of friendship/peace through sporting and cultural activities e.g. WAFU
- Provides technical and educational support to member countries.
- Military co-operation.
- Peaceful resolution of political conflicts e.g. Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Cote’D’Voire.
- ECOWAS Summits - ECOWAS creates a platform for discussing issue affecting member states.
- Through ECOWAS, the attention of the international community is drawn to the sub-region and its members.
- Settlement of border disputes among countries e.g. Cote‘D’Voire and Ghana
- (xiii)Monitoring of elections among member states.