Ajibewa submitted that the protocols had all the required instruments that address the different stages of challenges in governance but lack implementation by political leaders adding that there is a need to return to the drawing board to mitigate conflicts in the region.
He therefore, called on the ECOWAS Commission to increase its partnership with civil society organizations, even as he sues for decentralizing of powers as well as sensitizing the military on the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocols to discourage coups in the subregion.
“The position of governance in the ECOWAS region is hinged on constitutional political governance principles that address governance challenges and guidelines for member states.
“The supplementary Protocol (2021) provides for democratic control of the armed forces and zero tolerance for military coup d’etat and any form of unconstitutional change of power.
“The linkages between good governance and economic development are evident in the good management of resources across a country’s various sectors impacts the country’s economic growth and development.
“The efficient operationalization of the provisions of ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance would provide long-lasting solutions to the challenges faced by the West African Region,” Ajibewa said.
In a swift response, a Ghanaian Member of Parliament Hon Ladi Ayamba, stressed that the major challenge the region have is non-policy implementation and appealed to all to show commitment to enhance service delivery.
“We have these laws and protocols guiding us but, sadly, implementation is a problem.
“What we lack in our Parliaments is how to implement some of these protocols and that is a gap we must ensure we address. How will ECOWAS look at addressing these gaps,” Ayamba said.
Thereafter, the Gambian member of the parliament Hon. Fatimatou Njai, said the region must leverage on lessons learned and takes a firm decision on ways to ameliorate crises to attract development.
“In ECOWAS, we need to start reminding ourselves but unfortunately, lessons have not been learnt.
“We have seen our countries draw back from what we fought for because we have refused to learn. We must build an ECOWAS that does not tolerate war. Only then can we achieve a stable region and good governance,” Njai said.
