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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved emergency security funding for five member states, including Ghana, as part of renewed efforts to combat terrorism and growing insecurity across the sub-region.
The decision was taken at the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Abuja. Under the directive, the ECOWAS Commission is to release 2.85 million US dollars each to Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo from the Regional Security Fund, subject to a review of the approved Plan of Action.
The funding comes at a time of escalating security threats in West Africa, including terrorism, banditry and kidnappings. ECOWAS leaders strongly condemned the recent surge in attacks, particularly the abduction of schoolchildren in northern Nigeria, and expressed solidarity with affected communities.
The Authority commended Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the swift actions taken by his government to secure the release of victims and to strengthen security measures aimed at curbing insecurity.
ECOWAS leaders reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating terrorism within the sub-region and appealed to the international community, including the African Union and the United Nations Security Council, to respond urgently and in a coordinated manner to the security needs of affected countries.
The Authority also called on member states to sustain engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to enhance cooperation in addressing the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel.
Additionally, ECOWAS directed the Commission to fast-track the operationalisation of the Regional Counterterrorism Brigade. This includes convening urgent meetings of the Committee of Chiefs of Intelligence Services and the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff to advance the activation of the force.
The approval of the emergency funding highlights ECOWAS’ determination to strengthen collective security, protect lives and restore stability across West Africa.
