Ambassador Perpetual Dufu, the Coordinating Director/Multilateral and International Organisations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has emphasized the inappropriateness of resorting to coup d'états as a solution to development and governance challenges.
Speaking at a stakeholders' workshop on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol, she highlighted the mismatch between the growing youth population in Africa and the available opportunities, leading to agitations and, at times, coups.
Ambassador Dufu stated, “One thing I can say is that we don't always have to look for the solution in coup d'état.” The workshop aimed to deepen participants' understanding of ECOWAS protocols, programs, and activities, emphasizing the crucial role ECOWAS plays in regional development and integration.
Discussing challenges such as climate change and rural-to-urban migration, Ambassador Dufu acknowledged the associated development challenges and stressed the importance of ECOWAS regional integration efforts in addressing issues and ensuring peace.
She noted that regional integration would promote interaction, trade, and economic prosperity, reducing factors contributing to coup d'états.
She emphasized the need for citizens to understand the benefits of ECOWAS protocols, especially the provisions for the free movement of goods and persons.
Despite progress, she acknowledged challenges in fully implementing these protocols and called for citizens' support to overcome existing barriers.
Paramount Chief Naa Seidu Braimah Nubalanaang expressed concern about the increasing incidents of coup d'états in the West Africa sub-region.
He urged regional leadership to re-examine itself and implement measures to address coup d'états, emphasizing the importance of good governance.
The workshop, attended by representatives of traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, students, security agencies, and the media, provided a platform for constructive dialogue on regional integration and stability within the West African sub-region.