President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the actions of insurgents in the West African sub-region have dire consequences for the continuing peace, stability and prosperity of the area.
Jonathan made this statement while speaking at the 46th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. He decried the rising scourge of terrorism and the increase in proliferation of small arms and weapons.
Jonathan also lauded the fact that West Africa today is one of the fastest growing regions in Africa, recording an economic growth rate of an average of 7 per cent in 2013 compared to 6.6 per cent in 2012.
He said “This situation is a result of our huge market and various integration programmes that continue to attract regional and foreign investors. The ECOWAS Commission should continue to coordinate the full implementation of the various economic integration programmes of the community in order to fast-track the economic development of our region in the years ahead.”
President of ECOWAS Commission, Desire Quadreogo, President John Mahama, chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and statutory appointees of ECOWAS Commission and institutions, attended the meeting.