MONROVIA, LIBERIA-President Joseph Boakai is expected to depart the country on Saturday to attend the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Governments in Nigeria.
President Boakai will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan, and Defense Minister Brigadier General Geraldine George.
Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana said:” The Liberian delegation will also include the National Security and Economic Advisor, Kofi Woods and Morley Kamara, along with the National Port Authority Managing Director, Sekou Dukuly, among others.
According to Madam Fofana, while the Liberian Leader is away, the Minister of State, Sylvester Grigsby, will steer the affairs of the Cabinet in consultation with the Vice President, Jeremiah Koung.
The Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Heads of State and Governments is an annual event that brings together leaders of the regional body to discuss pertinent issues.
Member States of ECOWAS, including Liberia, are advancing separate commitments to the integration and development agenda of the West African Region at the ongoing Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers Meeting in Abuja, Nigeria.
In his opening remarks, the ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY said:” While the ministers continue to respect the decisions taken in support of regional integration, significant obstacles demanding their attention are being faced.”
According to Dr. TOURAY, the Commission acknowledges the expectations of Community citizens and remains committed to advancing the region’s developmental agenda.
The ECOWAS Commission President, however, said progress is often hindered by resource limitations and much more can be achieved if adequate funding is made available.
For his part, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tugar, stressed the need for the Governments of ECOWAS Member States to create an enabling environment for the Private Sector to thrive. Ambassador Tugar reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to regional cooperation, driven by its shared vision of having an integrated and prosperous West Africa.
Meanwhile, a joint communique is being developed from the Council of Ministers Meeting to form the agenda items from the ECOWAS Heads of State Summit on Sunday, in Abuja, Nigeria.
By: Emmanuel Bondo/Varflay Kamara